On Chinese Scales and National Modes

Abstract

For years Chinese and Western studies on Chinese music theory have concentrated on the ancient mathematical systems. This is due to the availability of numerous historical documents and attitudes favoring the classical or refined culture. Since the 1950s, with the exception of the Cultural Revolution period (1966-76), a strong emphasis on the folk culture, along with a continuation of the study of the classical one, has been promoted in China. Among the many products of this new trend is the increased research of all aspects of Chinese folk music. But Western scholars have not yet paid much attention to this later emphasis.