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122 CURIOSITIES OF MUSIC. |
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Chun also wrote a song in praise of agriculture. In the year 2284 B. C, he established uniformity of weight and measure, as well as a fixed diapason throughout the empire, and endeavored to have all the bells made in just proportions to each other. He also caused to be composed, a melody celebrating the nine principal virtues; it was accompanied with dances, in nine parts and contained nine modulations; it was named Siao-chao from the instruments which the dancers held in their hand.
Chun established five grand ceremonials, in each of which music bore a part. First, a ceremony of rejoicing, in honor of Chang-ti (the supreme being) and of the celestial spirits. Second, a festival in honor of the ancestors. Third, a military celebration, in honor of the former dissensions of the empire having given way to a tranquil peace. Fourth, a feast dedicated to courtesy, when the beauties of concord and goodwill were sung. Fifth and last, a ceremony in which the inter-dependence of man was remembered, and the manifold blessings accruing by mutual beneficence, chanted.
Chun also appointed a superintendent of music, who was to see that the art was always exercised in its proper direction.
Kouei was appointed censor, and the instructions of the emperor to him, are full of good sense. " Music should follow the sense of the words." " It should be simple and unaffected." " Music la an expression of the soul of the musician;" such |
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