Fujian ICH: Chating Shifan music

Shifan music is a treasured form of traditional folk instrumental music from Fuzhou, Fujian province. Originating in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this tradition emerged in the Chating area of Fuzhou's Taijiang district.

It evolved from the percussion music used in folk dragon lantern dances, and became popular in Fuzhou and its surrounding regions. It is recognized as a representative national intangible cultural heritage item in the category of traditional music.

The melodies of Shifan music mainly derive from folk tunes and suona pieces, as well as elements from opera, quyi (a collection of storytelling, crosstalk, and singing), and traditional songs.

The structure of Chating Shifan music is characterized by repetitive single pieces, with most tunes based on the same key system. The scales used include pentatonic, hexatonic, and heptatonic, with frequent intervals of seconds, thirds, and fifths. To date, nearly 100 pieces have been preserved.

Traditional Shifan music employs nearly 10 types of instruments, including the flute, gongs and cymbals. With its continuous development and evolution, additional instruments such as the sheng and wooden clappers have been incorporated over the years. This brings Shifan ensembles today to a total of over 20 instruments, nearly encompassing all instruments found in a traditional Chinese orchestra.

Shifan music includes both seated and marching performance styles, with specific arrangements of musicians, and it is primarily used in deity worship ceremonies, weddings, funerals, and other folk events.

The research value of Chating Shifan music extends beyond musicology, holding significant importance for ethnology, folklore, comparative cultural studies, cultural communication, and demographic studies.