Year: 2006

Sort: Folk Music

Area: Shanxi Province

Serial No.: Ⅱ-57

Declarer: Xijiang County, Shanxi Province

Shanxi is the cradle of the Chinese drum. Hailed as the home of percussion, Jiangzhou has been a well-known drumming region since the early Tang Dynasty (618-907). Drumming has become a sensation and a part of life.

Called Jiangzhou in ancient times, Xinjiang County is located in southwest Shanxi Province. Jiangzhou is a time-honored ancient city and holds an important historical place in politics, culture and economy. According to Jiangzhou records,

Jiangzhou drum music originated during the Qin Dynasty (221-207BC), and became popular in the Ming (1368-1644)and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

The Huaqiao drum is one of the most representative in Jiangzhou drum music. One ensemble consists of different kinds of drums and at present there are more than ten preserved drumming skills that include beating the edge of the drum, 'lashing' the surface of the drum and 'knocking' drum rings.

There are three genres in Jiangzhou drum music and each of them have different melodies. Jiangzhou drum music boasts a long history and is a favorite of local people. In recent years as many older Jiangzhou drum musicians have passed away, and the music is in danger of becoming extinct.