The Basic Viewpoints of Chinese and Western Music Aesthetics

Westerners are obsessive in their pursuit of knowledge, and when there is no creative inspiration but the work has to be completed, the music naturally lacks true feelings, and the creation tends to be formalized. Therefore, in Western music, technique occupies a very high position.

Chinese music, on the other hand, emphasizes the freedom of heart, which is a good characteristic of Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese music emphasized sensibility, and when the feeling of music came, one could just play the qin and stroke a song to express one's feelings to the fullest. If the feeling does not come, there is no need to force yourself. Traditional Chinese music was naturally formed during the long process of life and production, and has been passed down through generations of musicians. It is under the guidance of traditional music aesthetics that traditional Chinese music has developed a subtle and euphemistic way of expression, a soft and gentle, delicate and light artistic style throughout its long history. The state of traditional Chinese music we see today is due to this aesthetic idea.