Carlene Reynolds

Hist387

Tang Presentation

 

                                         Tang Dynasty (618-907) Court Music

 

I.  Emergence of the “Golden Age”

            A.  Tang stood out as a period of superior musical and cultural development. 

                       

            B.  Rise of Imperial Court Music

                        -Most significant musical achievement during the Tang

                        -Performance troops                

                        -Imperial patronage

 

            C.  Courtesan Culture/Women and Music

                        -Women entertainers               

                        -Courtesan talents:  singing, dancing, instrument proficiency, poetry-influence on later cultures                          

                        -Women often mastered percussion, wind and string instruments. 

 

            D.  Theater Performance          

                        -Emerges during the Tang. 

 

            E.  Musical Institutions of the Tang

                        1.  The Great Music Institute

                        2.  Drum and Wind Corps

                        3.  Palace Conservatory for Musicians

                        4.  Pear Garden

 

            F.  Instruments

                        -Bell and chime ensembles gave way to chamber traditions featuring string and wind instruments. 

                        -Two music genres: “great songs”/dance genre, and banquet music.

                        -The Silk Road

 

                        1.  Hengdi: flute 

 

                               

 

                        2.  Pipa:  lute, pear shaped-body, plucked, highly popular, accompanied singing and dancing.  Courtesans played, sung and danced.