MUS

A major issue explored in this chapter is the relationships between the musical and political developments in Chinese history. Relationships between music and politics run deep in societies throughout the world. Where do you see instances of music being used in political contexts in your own society? Are the political uses of music of which you are aware explicit, implicit, obvious or subtle? Why do you think music has been closely aligned with so many political regimes and institutions in so many societies throughout history?

In this chapter a single instrument, the zheng, was taken as a lens through which to view large currents in the history of Chinese society, culture and politics. A similar approach might be productive in studies of American or other Western societies. What might a historical, ethnomusicological approach to the study of the electric guitar reveal about larger issues in American social history? What could we learn about the cultures and histories of Europe or the Americas through a sociopolitically informed history of the piano?

“The musicultural focus of this chapter is a particular instrument, the zheng, which we will discuss through the lens of Chinese history and the political movements and ideologies that have shaped it.” (p. 328)

Deng Haiqiong (Haiqiong Deng)

Winner, National Zheng Competition of China (1995)

Concerts internationally, including at Carnegie Hall, NYC

Doctoral studies in ethnomusicology (US)

Main focus: modern conservatory style of zheng

Other topics: Dynastic history, regional zheng styles, other instruments, Chinese opera, Japanese and Korean musics, Chinese and Chinese American popular music