The unique performance techniques of each of the four traditional schools of the Chinese yangqin

Abstract

This research article is part of the dissertation "The Chinese Yangqin: Performance Technique and Aesthetics since 1949". The Guangdong yangqin school, with its clear and bright tone, exhibits a lyrical and cheerful musical style. The tone of the Jiangnan Yangqin school is soft and delicate, showing a gentle musical style. The Sichuan yangqin school has a noisy timbre and shows a passionate musical style. The Northeast Yangqin school is a fusion of many cultures, with strong compatibility and rich tone colours, showing a strong and optimistic musical style.

Performance techniques are most influenced by the standard of living and culture of the region. Although the four traditional schools have commonalities in the use of performance techniques, with the increase in techniques, each school has its own unique techniques that better reflect the differences in history, culture, geography, and customs of different regions. The researcher found through investigation that the gradual disappearance of some playing techniques has led to a reduction in the characteristics of the schools, perhaps facing extinction.