Xi'an Guyue: Ancient ensemble awaits another millennium
Festive, grand in structure and elegant in style. Xi'an Guyue, also known as Xi'an wind and percussion ensemble, has been played for more than a millennium in China's ancient capital of Xi'an, Shaanxi province.
Xi'an wind and percussion ensemble, as its name indicates, is a type of music that integrates drums and wind instruments, and sometimes a male chorus. The content of the verses is mostly related to local life and religious belief.
From royal courts to open fields
The music was first created to accompany royal banquets, outings and sacrifices to gods. However, it gradually prevailed among the public in temple fairs and religious occasions.
Marching drum music used to be performed on emperor's trips, but has now become the province of farmers and is usually played in open fields in the countryside.
