The author states that in order for their performances to be truly authentic the performers themselves must believe that the performances true to their culture. It is not hard to convince uninformed people such as the audience that these musical pieces are "authentic", however convincing the performers are a different story because they know the truth. The performers know that these musical pieces are performed not for merely ritualistic reasons, but rather to cater to the visitors who come to "learn" about their culture. It is performed for more commerical reasons. These tourists visit to see something different and the Naxi take this into consideration when they are performing their pieces. In addition, the author states that the piece cannot be a copy, but it is a copy from another Chinese group.
The Chinese orchestra is being accused of not being "authentic" because according to Western scholars the Chinese orchestra is incorporating Western influences into their music. Western instruments as well as Western-sounding compositions have been added that are not traditionally associated with Chinese music. I think that both sides of the arguments have a point. On one hand, the world is becoming increasingly globalized and it is inevitable that cultures affect each other and incorporate the aspects they like into their own. However, I also do think that it is important to stay true to one's heritage. If you incorporate too many outside influences, what is left is something that is not original and "authentic". Authenticity is on a continuum; in other words there are a lot of gray areas. Just because one culture adds aspects of another does not mean that it loses its entire credibility. The authenticity depends on the extent of borrowing other culture's elements.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
week 3
The two performances--Ratna Ayu and Gamelan Bali Nyepi--contrast in many different ways, from the setting to the costume to the type of music being played. These performances seem to serve different musical purposes and the elements of the performance contribute to this notion.
The Ratna Ayu performance is held indoors, perhaps in a performing arts theater creating a "performance" environment. The dancers and musicians are clearly distanced from the audience from the presence of the stage--a physical barrier that distinguishes who is watching from who is performing. The movements of the dancers are slow, flowy movements. The music accompanies their body movements through the droning timbre and soft sounds of an instrument comparable to the xylophone. The instruments are neatly structured on the side of the stages with like instruments grouped together. It is a very organized performance highlighting the cultural beauty of the people. The elaborate clothing enhances the rich cultural aspect as well; the headress is made of a vivid golden color while the center dancer wears a long ornate dress.
In contrast, the Gamelan Bali Nyepi is located in an outside setting, making the atmosphere much more laid back and free. Likewise, the performers seem less tense compared to the performers in the Ratna Ayu performance. These people appear to playing for the enjoyment of themselves rather than a designated audience. Their attire is very laidback--a loose white outfit. In junction with the casual environment, the music played is very upbeat and lively; it is music that makes people want to dance. The structure of the musicians is much less organized. People are scattered on the floor; the drums (membranophones) are next to the idiophones in no clear order. The people's facial expressions are much more relaxed. This performance seems much more spontaneous and exhibits the vibrant nature of the people.
The Ratna Ayu performance is held indoors, perhaps in a performing arts theater creating a "performance" environment. The dancers and musicians are clearly distanced from the audience from the presence of the stage--a physical barrier that distinguishes who is watching from who is performing. The movements of the dancers are slow, flowy movements. The music accompanies their body movements through the droning timbre and soft sounds of an instrument comparable to the xylophone. The instruments are neatly structured on the side of the stages with like instruments grouped together. It is a very organized performance highlighting the cultural beauty of the people. The elaborate clothing enhances the rich cultural aspect as well; the headress is made of a vivid golden color while the center dancer wears a long ornate dress.
In contrast, the Gamelan Bali Nyepi is located in an outside setting, making the atmosphere much more laid back and free. Likewise, the performers seem less tense compared to the performers in the Ratna Ayu performance. These people appear to playing for the enjoyment of themselves rather than a designated audience. Their attire is very laidback--a loose white outfit. In junction with the casual environment, the music played is very upbeat and lively; it is music that makes people want to dance. The structure of the musicians is much less organized. People are scattered on the floor; the drums (membranophones) are next to the idiophones in no clear order. The people's facial expressions are much more relaxed. This performance seems much more spontaneous and exhibits the vibrant nature of the people.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
week 2
Simply my Chinese-American identity has led me to be an insider and outsider simultaneously in certain social situations. Although I classify myself as being American because I was born in the US, I admit I don't look like the stereotypical American--Caucasian with European descent. However, because America is such a melting pot of different cultures, I do think that many of us who may not look like the "typical" American individual, can still be considered very American.
Conversely, when I visit China I do not completely fit in because I am considered Chinese American. Although I have a very Asian look, my American upbringing separates the types of clothes I wear, my hairstlye, and such. I also have a slight Chinese accent which allows locals to recognize that I am a "foreigner". Thus, my identity is somewhere in between Chinese and American. I am technically both but not entirely either one. So while I am included in both cultures, I am an outsider as well.
Different social situations call for accentuating different parts of one identity. I find myself acting differently at home versus in the dorms. At home, I am more courteous and rule-following compared to in the dorms when I am casually hanging out with my friends. In the dorms, I am very comfortable saying anything whereas at home, I must be conscious of what I say to my parents. Perhaps, I embrace my Chinese culture more at home because my parents always speak Chinese to me. We celebrate Chinese holidays and many of our family gatherings are with other Chinese families. In the dorms, my group of friends all come from different cultures but we all share the commonality of being American.
Music also varies in different contexts. If you compare a classical concert to a rock concert, the atmosphere, the audience, the mood all differs. At a classical concert, the performers are very structured, the audience is quiet, and the mood is very formal. In contrast, at a rock concert, the performers may act wild and loose. The audience is very laid back and crazy. Social contexts often dictate how people act.
Conversely, when I visit China I do not completely fit in because I am considered Chinese American. Although I have a very Asian look, my American upbringing separates the types of clothes I wear, my hairstlye, and such. I also have a slight Chinese accent which allows locals to recognize that I am a "foreigner". Thus, my identity is somewhere in between Chinese and American. I am technically both but not entirely either one. So while I am included in both cultures, I am an outsider as well.
Different social situations call for accentuating different parts of one identity. I find myself acting differently at home versus in the dorms. At home, I am more courteous and rule-following compared to in the dorms when I am casually hanging out with my friends. In the dorms, I am very comfortable saying anything whereas at home, I must be conscious of what I say to my parents. Perhaps, I embrace my Chinese culture more at home because my parents always speak Chinese to me. We celebrate Chinese holidays and many of our family gatherings are with other Chinese families. In the dorms, my group of friends all come from different cultures but we all share the commonality of being American.
Music also varies in different contexts. If you compare a classical concert to a rock concert, the atmosphere, the audience, the mood all differs. At a classical concert, the performers are very structured, the audience is quiet, and the mood is very formal. In contrast, at a rock concert, the performers may act wild and loose. The audience is very laid back and crazy. Social contexts often dictate how people act.
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