The Development History of Chinese Music, From the Spring and Autumn Period to the Qing Dynasty

The music and dance in ancient times reflects the life and production of the tribes at that time.They are original expressions of simple emotions.In the slave society,music and dance became a tool of the ruling class for strengthening their power and praising their achievements.

In the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States periods (770-221 BC), when the slave society gradually evolved into the feudal society, music got a fast development with the advancement of thoughts and production skills. At that time, more types of music instruments were created and improved, and Bayin (eight tones) classification method was adopted.

In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the state began to establish music management and education organizations.

By the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the Chinese opera had been mature, while in the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), the styles of the south and north dramas were formed and many classical Zaju were created, including The Injustice of Dou E and The Romance of the Western Chamber. Since then, the Chinese music was increasingly used to express the human nature other than day-to- day emotions. It's used to reflect the inner world of the people.

In the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), music became easier to approach the ordinary people, and more types of operas were created.

After the Sino-British Opium War, democracy and science became the main themes of music. The traditional music and the Western music sourced from the Europe were integrated.