The Music Forms And Social Functions Of ChaoZhou "String Of Poems" Music

ChaoZhou "String of Poems" music is one type of the Chinese traditional music. Almough plenty of scholars have done research on it, most of them emphasized their research on some particular aspects of the "String of Poems" music. Very little research has been done on its integral music forms and social functions. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the social functions and influences the particular "String of Poems" music has had, which grew up in the ChaoZhou environment. In this thesis, from the headstream of "Sting of Poems" music, the integral music forms and its social functions have been investigated. The methods adopted in this thesis include field investigation, interview, playing in the ensemble of folk instruments, teaching and other combination of theory and practice methods. Finally, several conclusions have been made in the following.Many factors has influenced the growth of the ChaoZhou "String of Poems" music closely, including the special geographical environments of ChaoZhou, the ChaoZhou’s gentle, fine culture, the vivid ChaoZhou’s folk customs, the oversea ChaoZhou people and the ChaoZhou music.It has ample music forms, special ensembles and taste concept. The social functions of ChaoZhou "String and Poem" music are mainly in the area of propagation and ethic value.In the area of propagation, its music texts, concerts, social groups, music groups, education, etc. have the propagation functions of music and culture.In the area of ethic value, it can harmonize the natural environment, unite the society and balance mind and body for individuals.Two factors have played a role in the social solidarity function. The internal factor is the hannony in its forms. The external factor is its common use in people’s nighttime ensembles and the folk-custom parties.Three factors have played a role on its function of balance mind and body. First, ten fingers influence the whole body. Second, it is related to its "good order and harmony" music form closely. Third, it is related to the life and work of ChaoZhou people. For the middle-aged and aged, first, it can stimulate the circulation of blood and prolong life. Then, it can empty out all other thoughts and relieve the pain. Last, the "String of Poems" music can adjust spirit and enrich life. For the kids and teenage, it can mould a person’s temperament, cultivate one’s taste, balance mind and body, cultivate the spirit of cooperating with others. It will help them to build a good principle, ideology, spirit and prevent them from going to the wrong way.This thesis provides some references for the future research about the ChaoZhou "String of Poem" music and ChaoZhou culture. It will play a role in the passing down and practice of the Chinese traditional music. At the same time, targeting in the hazy understanding even misunderstand of excellent music social functions, this thesis focus on promoting and developing the Chinese traditional music and its excellent social functions. It will remind people to cultivate their mind, unite with the masses, and harmonize society. Then the "String of Poems" music can survive healthy and make a big impact on the society.