A Study on the Potential of Utilizing the Chinese Traditional Instrument Zhongruan in Jazz Music
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the potential for integrating the Chinese traditional instrument Zhongruan (中阮) with the Western musical genre of jazz.Focusing on the representative work "Sky High, Clouds Light" (天高云淡) by Zhongruan performer Feng Mantian (冯满天), this research examines how the instrument integrates with contemporary jazz idioms by analyzing musical elements such as melody, rhythm, tone color, and improvisation.As a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument, the Zhongruan employs unique techniques such as vibrato and glissando.In modern music, it has expanded its expressive capabilities by incorporating techniques from instruments like the guitar and pipa.This study analyzes the intersection of tradition and modernity in the Zhongruan within the framework of jazz, with particular focus on how jazz elements-such as the blues scale, swing feel, and complex time signatures-merge with the lyrical qualities of the Zhongruan.The analysis reveals that the Zhongruan possesses strong potential for synergy with jazz in terms of improvisation and emotional expression, suggesting new creative possibilities that transcend the boundaries between Eastern and Western musical languages.This paper aims to provide a theoretical foundation for the modern inheritance and reinvention of traditional instruments, while also contributing to the promotion of cultural understanding and diversity in global music through intercultural musical fusion.
Authors: Fan Li Xuan, Hyun Tai Kim
Institution: Sejong University
Language: English
Subfield: Music
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414618250
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: