Gelao Music What are the stylistic features of Gelao folk songs?

The Gelao are a music-loving people. The Gelao sing whatever they see. It can be said that they sing everywhere. Gelao folk songs shine uniquely in Gelao culture. They not only have a strong flavor of life and national characteristics, but also have high artistic value. They are exquisite works of art created by the Gelao ancestors.

Gelao folk songs can be divided into four categories: folk songs, children's songs, wine songs and filial piety songs. Different tunes have their own characteristics. Ancient folk songs have long phrases, as well as short phrases of three or four words or even a dozen words. In the past two to three hundred years, influenced by Chinese poetry genres, the seven-character stanzas or ancient poems were frequently used and Chinese vocabulary was borrowed extensively.

The melodic structure of Gelao folk songs has been influenced not only by other local folk songs, but also by the music of the local Lantern Festival. The melody of Gelao folk songs in this process has a strong sense of joy and jumping, and a euphemistic and lyrical flavor. The organic combination of the two forms constitutes the melodic characteristics of Gelao folk songs in the region.

The singing styles of Gelao folk songs are soprano folk songs, bass folk songs and bass folk songs. This wine song has a bright tune and a warm atmosphere. Ancient songs and ritual songs are sung in solemn tunes during festivals and ancestor worship. Mourning songs are deep and melancholy; some of the lyrics and tunes sound like chanting. Wedding songs are filled with whimpering and mournful tunes. The burlesque song is an accompanied labor hymn. Its music is closely related to local folk songs, lanterns, high opera, bench opera and folk tunes.

The farce song is divided into chorus number, alarm number, flower alarm and alarm number according to the working hours. Its melody and rhythm are cheerful and bright.

The Gelao and Han poets **** with discovering and organizing Gelao folk songs, such as "Come to the slope on the 15th of August" and "My family lives by the Longtan", which were rated as the outstanding songs of the ethnic minorities.