A Literature Review on Timbre Aesthetic Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Music

Abstract

Timbre is an auditory attribute of sound determined by the vibration state of objects and constitutes one of the vital expressive means in music. The most prominent distinction between traditional Chinese music and Western music lies in timbre. Through literature collection and collation, this paper summarizes four core timbre aesthetic characteristics formed throughout the long evolution of traditional Chinese music: diversity, uniqueness, naturalness and symbolism. Shaped by the traditional Chinese philosophical and natural outlook of "harmony between human and nature", these four interrelated aesthetic features permeate all forms of traditional Chinese music, including instrumental tones, folk vocal styles and opera music, collectively fostering an aesthetic inclination that reveres nature, multiplicity and individuality in timbre appreciation. Exploring these timbre aesthetic characteristics and their manifestations across musical genres not only clarifies the internal logical relations among the four traits, but also offers new perspectives for research and study within the discipline of musical aesthetics.