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ORKESTRA TRADISIONAL CINA TEO CHEW
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Introduction and history
The Teochew Traditional Chinese Orchestra is a traditional musical ensemble originating from the Teochew (Chaozhou) ethnic group in southern China, primarily in Guangdong Province and neighbouring areas in Southeast Asia. This orchestra performs rich and melodic traditional Teochew music, reflecting the culture and heritage of the Teochew community.
1. Origins and History
Teochew Ethnic Group: The Teochew people are a subgroup of the Han Chinese, originating from Chaozhou in Guangdong Province, southern China. They possess a distinct language, customs, and musical traditions.
Influence of Teochew Music: Teochew music evolved under the broader umbrella of traditional Chinese music while retaining unique characteristics. The origins of the Teochew orchestra trace back to the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In Chaozhou, this music was used in various social, religious, and celebratory events.
Spread to Southeast Asia: In the 19th and 20th centuries, many Teochew people migrated to Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. They brought their musical traditions, including the Teochew orchestra. In Malaysia and Singapore, this orchestra continues to thrive and has become part of the local Chinese cultural heritage.
1. Social and Religious Events
The Teochew Traditional Chinese Orchestra is frequently performed at various social and religious events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies.
The music is played to honor deities, pay tribute to ancestors, and create solemn or joyful atmospheres depending on the occasion.
2. Entertainment and Cultural Expression
Within the Teochew community, the orchestra serves as entertainment during community celebrations or informal gatherings.
Skilled musicians perform for audiences, adding joy and festivity to events.
3. Cultural Preservation
The orchestra plays a vital role in preserving Teochew cultural identity, especially in the diaspora communities in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
It acts as a bridge to connect younger generations with their cultural heritage.
The costumes worn by the Teochew orchestra musicians reflect the cultural richness of the Teochew community, contributing to the visual and thematic impact of musical and religious performances.
Costume Features
1. Traditional Men’s Attire
Changshan: A long traditional Chinese robe with a straight cut, often made of silk or lightweight cotton. It is simple yet elegant, featuring a standing collar and sometimes decorated with traditional embroidery.
Samfu: A two-piece outfit comprising a long-sleeved shirt and loose trousers. Comfortable yet elegant, this attire is often worn during casual celebrations or performances.
Traditional Shoes: Male musicians typically wear leather or traditional Chinese shoes that are both comfortable and suitable for stage performances.
2. Traditional Women’s Attire
Cheongsam (Qipao): A tight-fitting, long dress with high collars, often made from silk or satin and adorned with floral patterns or traditional motifs. Popular colors include red, gold, and blue, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and dignity.
Samfu: Women also wear the two-piece samfu for more casual or relaxed performances. The loose trousers and fitted tops are practical for performance settings.
The instruments used in the Teochew Orchestra produce unique melodies, harmonies, and rhythms characteristic of Teochew music.
Key Instruments in the Teochew Orchestra
Pipa
A four-stringed plucked instrument central to the orchestra.
The pipa plays the main melodies and complements other instruments in creating intricate rhythms.
Erhu
A two-stringed bowed instrument, also known as the "Chinese violin."
Produces soft, emotional melodies and is particularly prominent in themes of love or sorrow.
Sanxian
A three-stringed plucked instrument larger than the pipa.
Provides harmony and lower notes, often used in slower, dramatic music.
Dizi
A traditional Chinese bamboo flute.
Produces gentle, airy melodies and adds color to musical compositions.
Yangqin
A hammered dulcimer that creates vibrating, melodic sounds.
Provides harmonic support and complements other instruments during performances.
Gong and Luo
Gongs are used to mark transitions in music or to signal the start of a performance.
They produce loud, resonant sounds essential for controlling tempo and transitions in compositions.
Konghou
An ancient Chinese harp-like instrument played by hand.
Adds graceful and soothing melodic effects to the orchestra's performance.
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Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan
"The Music of China" oleh J. Lawrence Witzleben
"Cultural Encounters in the Asia Pacific: Theories and Practices" oleh Jon Binnie dan Julie Langford
"Teochew Music" oleh Teochew Cultural Society
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Nur Al-Farani binti Rosli
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Melaka
Kompleks JKKN Melaka
Hang Tuah Jaya, Lebuh Ayer Keroh,
75450 MELAKA
06 - 763 6308
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