Music in China: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture

Introduction

Chinese music is a vast, living tapestry that stretches back thousands of years, yet it continues to evolve in exciting ways today. Music in China: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture Includes CD by Frederick Lau offers a fresh and accessible journey into this rich sonic world. Unlike traditional textbooks that focus only on ancient court traditions, this volume invites you to hear, feel, and understand Chinese music as it is practiced now—from folk songs in village squares to pop hits in Shanghai’s neon-lit streets. Whether you are a student, a curious listener, or a teacher looking for a reliable resource, this book opens the door to one of the world’s oldest and most dynamic musical cultures.

Book Overview

Part of Oxford University Press’s acclaimed Global Music Series, this hardcover edition is designed as a case study that works beautifully alongside the core text Thinking Musically. However, it also stands completely on its own as a vivid exploration of Chinese musical life. Frederick Lau takes a balanced approach, weaving together historical depth with contemporary relevance. The accompanying CD brings the pages to life with authentic recordings, allowing you to hear the very sounds discussed in each chapter. From the delicate pluck of the pipa to the booming energy of a Beijing opera ensemble, this book is a sensory experience that goes beyond mere words.

Key Highlights

• Authentic CD included – Listen to real performances of traditional and modern Chinese music as you read.
• Balanced perspective – Covers elite court traditions, folk practices, religious music, and contemporary popular genres.
• Student-friendly approach – Written in clear, engaging language without sacrificing academic rigour.
• Cultural context – Explains how music connects to Chinese philosophy, festivals, social change, and identity.
• Global relevance – Shows how Chinese music interacts with global trends, from diaspora communities to world music festivals.

Inside the Book

This volume is structured to guide you step by step into the heart of Chinese musical culture. The opening chapters introduce key concepts such as timbre, melody, and rhythm as they are understood in Chinese traditions, which often differ significantly from Western frameworks. Later chapters dive into specific genres: the refined qin music of scholars, the colourful spectacle of regional opera, the soulful narratives of folk song, and the electric energy of Cantopop and Mandopop. Each section includes listening guides tied to the CD tracks, helping you identify instruments, vocal styles, and structural patterns. The book also addresses how music functions in rituals, festivals, and daily life, making it a truly holistic study.

Key Topics

• Musical instruments of China – The erhu, pipa, dizi, sheng, and more, with descriptions of their construction and sound.
• Regional diversity – How music varies from the Tibetan plateau to the southern coasts and the northern plains.
• Chinese opera – The dramatic world of Peking opera, Kunqu, and other regional forms.
• Religious and ritual music – Buddhist chants, Daoist ceremonies, and Confucian court music.
• Modern transformations – The rise of Chinese pop, rock, and experimental music in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Music and politics – How revolutionary songs and state-sponsored music shaped national identity.

Reader Benefits

• Gain cultural literacy – Understand the role of music in Chinese society, past and present.
• Develop analytical skills – Learn to listen critically and describe musical features using appropriate terminology.
• Enhance teaching – Perfect for educators who want to incorporate world music into their curriculum.
• Enjoy a multisensory experience – The CD transforms reading into an active, auditory adventure.
• Build a global perspective – Appreciate how Chinese music both preserves tradition and engages with modernity.

Learning Outcomes

By the time you finish this book, you will be able to identify major Chinese instruments and genres by sound and sight. You will understand the cultural values embedded in musical performances—such as the Confucian ideal of harmony or the Daoist appreciation of naturalness. You will also be able to discuss how Chinese music has adapted to colonial encounters, political upheavals, and globalisation. Most importantly, you will develop a deep respect for the creativity and resilience of Chinese musicians across centuries.

Who Should Read

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students in musicology, ethnomusicology, Asian studies, or cultural studies.
• Music teachers and educators seeking authentic, classroom-ready material on world music.
• Enthusiasts of Chinese culture who want to go beyond food, language, and festivals.
• Musicians and composers interested in cross-cultural inspiration and new sonic palettes.
• General readers with a curiosity about how music shapes and reflects human experience.

About the Author

Frederick Lau is a distinguished ethnomusicologist and professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. His research spans Chinese music, diaspora studies, and the politics of cultural representation. With decades of fieldwork in China, Taiwan, and Chinese communities worldwide, Lau brings firsthand knowledge and a passionate, clear-eyed perspective to his writing. He has authored and edited numerous works on Asian music and is widely respected for making complex ideas accessible to students and general readers alike.

About the Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP) is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic publishers in the world, with a history dating back to 1586. Their Global Music Series is celebrated for introducing world music traditions through engaging, well-researched, and pedagogically sound volumes. OUP’s commitment to excellence ensures that every book—including this one—meets the highest standards of scholarship and readability.

Conclusion

Music in China: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture Includes CD is more than a textbook—it is a gateway. Whether you are studying for a course, preparing a lesson, or simply exploring the sounds of a civilisation, this book will enrich your understanding and deepen your appreciation. With its balanced coverage, practical listening guides, and authentic recordings, it remains an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to truly experience Chinese music. Pick up your copy from Bookshops.in today and let the music begin.