Among the largest and smallest countries of Asia are China and Japan. These countries have rich historical traditions and have made major contributions to the world. The Chinese invented paper and printing and have given to the world, silk,porcelain and compass. On the other hand, Japanese have increasingly demonstrated their computer-age technological accomplishments in electronic and manufacturing industries.
The emphasis on simplicity of lifestyle is evident in Chinese and Japanese arts as well as music. One of the most persistent themes in the arts of China and Japan is nature. The religions of Taoism and Shintoism stressed the importance of man in communion with na
ture.
Some General Characteristics of Chinese and Japanese Music :
1. Melody - there is much use of pentatonic scales although 6-tone and 7-tone scales occur.
2. Rhythm - is predominantly in duple meter
3. Texture - Monophonic (one line) and heterophonic (simultaneous variations on single line) textures occur frequently.
4. Dynamics - most of their performances are intented for small ensembles: thus, general dynamic levels tend to be soft.
5. Timbre - there is a variety of instrumental tone colors. Stringed, percussion and wind instruments are present, but stringed instruments predominate. The tone quality of singers often has a pinched,nasalized quality.
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