Grade 8

Distinc musical
characteristics of
East Asian countries.
Gulliver B. Labra
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 02
Japanese Music Chinese Music
Traditional music of Japan Dominated by the
through their vocal (folk songs) and teachings of the philosopher
instrumental music. Confucius,

03 04
Korean Music Conclusions
Generous use of bright rhythms
and melodies.
Japaneses Music
• Japanese vocal music is quite different from the
Western vocal music.

• Based on the intervals of human breathing rather

than mathematical timing

• How Japanese musicians show their spiritual

self-mastery in mastering his or her
instrument more than simply perfecting a
technique.

• They put value to their performance and

composure.
 Instrumental Music of Japan
• Traditional Japanese music is basically
meditative in character.
• Its performance is highly ritualized, as much in
the music itself, as in the composure of the
musicians when performing it.

• The performance of Japanese music has traditionally

been of a spiritual character, similarly to martial
arts and other forms of art such as the tea ceremony
and calligraphy.
• It is usually about religious festivals, work, dance,
love, and regional songs. Audiences are looking for
this self-mastery in musicians.
• This is the reason why music has become highly
ritualized. Musicians must show this spiritual self-
mastery in their performance and composure.
• They work on an inner strength in mastering his
or her instrument, more than simply perfecting a
technique of some sort and providing entertainment.
Music
• Chinese culture was dominated by the teachings of the
philosopher Confucius, he conceived music in the
highest sense as a means of calming the passion of
dispelling of unrest and lust, rather than as a
form of amusement.

• Traditionally the Chinese have believed that sound

influences the harmony of the universe.
Significantly, one of the most important duties of the first
emperor of each new dynasty was to search out and
establish that dynasty’s through standard of pitch. A result
of this philosophical orientation was that the Chinese
theoretically opposed music performed solely for
entertainment.
 Erhu is a two-stringed fiddle Dizi is the traditional Chinese flute
Pipa is a four-stringed lute

Pengling are two small bells Sheng is a Chinese mouth organ

 Korean Music
● Chong-ak has a literal meaning of “music for the
noble classes”.
● Arirang is a Korean folk song used as a symbol of Korea and
Korean culture. It evokes the feeling of the tears shed by Koreans
and the remembrance of sad stories specifically partings.
● Sog-ak or minsogak is a category of Korean music traditionally
associated with the lower classes or for the general public and it is
vibrant and energetic.
● Pansori is a kind of music presented to audiences by skilled vocal
singers and drummers.
Kayagum is a traditional Haegeum a two-string Changgo is the most widely
Korean zither-like string vertical fiddle used drum
instrument
Make music to praise
God. Play music for
Him!”
Psalm 47:6