ANCIENT CHINESE ART SONG WORKBOOK FOR HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL STUDENTS

Abstract

This article explores the development and significance of ancient Chinese poetry art songs, emphasizing their role as a cultural bridge that intertwines music, poetry, and national identity, while also reflecting deep connections with religion, belief, and cultural values. Ancient Chinese poetry, often spiritual and philosophical, resonates with Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist ideologies, imbuing these art songs with themes of harmony, nature, and introspection. The adaptation of these poems into art songs reflects an enduring reverence for tradition and the cultural value placed on harmonious expression through music. By incorporating Western Romantic techniques, Chinese composers have created a genre that both preserves and reinterprets classical Chinese literature within a modern framework, maintaining the poetic and religious essence of ancient texts. High school music education leverages these art songs to teach vocal technique and cultural heritage, enhancing students’ understanding of Chinese beliefs and spirituality embedded within the arts. This genre thus fosters cultural pride and continuity, promoting a deeper appreciation of Chinese traditional values, beliefs, and the spiritual essence inherent in classical poetry and its musical expressions. This article presented (1) ancient Chinese poetry art songs, (2) Chinese art song course for high school, and (3) ancient Chinese art song workbook for high school vocal students in China.