An Exploration of Chinese Percussion Instruments from the Perspective of “Category, Art, and Function”

“类、艺、用”三体视域下的中国打击乐器探究

[Background] As one of the oldest and most significant types of musical instruments in China, percussion instruments have received substantial attention and emphasis from the Chinese government in terms of cultural preservation and transmission. [Objective] This study aims to explore and analyze the classification characteristics, artistic forms, cultural connotations, and societal value of Chinese percussion instruments. [Method] By employing literature review and case analysis, the classification, performance forms, and intrinsic and functional values of Chinese percussion instruments were systematically examined. [Results] The findings reveal that Chinese percussion instruments are primarily categorized into four groups: “drums, bronze percussion, clappers, and others.” Over their extensive development, these instruments have evolved into diverse artistic expressions, ranging from collective to individual performances and from raw simplicity to refined sophistication. Moreover, they have played pivotal roles across various contexts, including political, religious, and folk traditions. [Conclusion] Percussion instruments are not only a treasured asset of Chinese musical art but also a vital carrier of China's historical and cultural legacy and spiritual civilization. Across different eras and humanistic contexts, they have fulfilled multifaceted functions in politics, military, culture, art, and social practices, making an indelible contribution to the development and transmission of Chinese civilization.

【背景】打击乐器作为中国最古老最重要的乐器种类之一，受到了中国政府在文化保护与文化传承方面的高度关注与重视。 【目的】本文旨在深入探索与分析中国打击乐器的分类特点、艺术形式及文化内涵与社会价值。 【方法】通过文献研究与案例分析对中国打击乐器的分类、表现形式及其内涵与功能价值进行系统梳理。 【结果】研究发现中国打击乐器主要以“鼓、响铜、梆板及其他”四类组成，在漫长的发展过程中形成了从群体到个体、从粗犷到精致等多样的艺术表现形式，同时在中国的政治、宗教及民间等不同场景中都扮演与承担着重要的角色与功能。 【结论】打击乐器不仅是中国音乐艺术的宝贵财富，更是中国历史文化与精神文明的重要载体。其在中国不同时期与不同人文场景下起到了包括政治、军事、文化、艺术和社会实践等的多重作用。为中国社会的文明发展与传承做出了不可磨灭的贡献。