Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shanxi Province: Taiyuan Gongs and Drums

Taiyuan Gongs and Drums performance [Photo via the Publicity Department of the CPC Taiyuan Municipal Committee]

Taiyuan Gongs and Drums, a traditional drum music popular in Taiyuan and Jinzhong of Shanxi Province, was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List in 2008.

Taiyuan Gongs and Drums performance is featured with the unique sound of cymbals. It has a powerful style featuring distinctive layers, strong and spacious movements and masculine rhythm, presenting spectacular performances. When played slowly, it sounds like flowing water, while when played rapidly, they are like big waves. When played lightly, the bells tinkle, while when played hard, it sounds like the thunderbolts roar. The sound, emotion and performance are interwoven and intertwined, which is fascinating. The skill of sharp-stop is often used in the performance like a break in the score, giving audiences a deep impression of clean and sharp. In addition, there are many amazing cymbal striking techniques in Shanxi Drums. For example, the cymbals thrown by the performer into the air for several meters will spin rapidly and fall down, then the performer catches it steadily in the same moment without any miss in the performance rhythm.

Taiyuan Gongs and Drums performance [Photo via the Publicity Department of the CPC Taiyuan Municipal Committee]

Taiyuan gongs and drums performance boasts a variety of performance styles with a strong local flavor. As a folk art popular among local residents, it is mainly performed at Shehuo(carnival celebrating the new year) and other congratulatory celebrations.