Music & Culture

I attended a lecture on music history and Hong Kong on 9 February 2017. Focusing on a popular Cantonese movie sound track "General's Order", the distinguished professor shared passionately about his research outcome and observations. The scope covered was broad and deep and some messages were particularly compelling to me.

I was enlightened that "music" in ancient China referred to songs, instrumental music and dance. It is more entertaining to listen to the singing, the instrumental music, and to watch the dance. I think there is no social and cultural difference anytime, anywhere.

I was struck to learn that the tempo of South China music had not been fast, as the lyrics, whether spoken or sung, were meant to be understood. I write songs with Chinese lyrics too and the tempo of my songs are generally not fast, as I want to get my messages across. To quicken the tempo to make songs sound upbeat may just be sounds only.

I was also interested to hear the observation that the centuries-old "General's Order" music could not be so popular but for the use of it in a Cantonese movie series with over 100 episodes since 1949. The music when accompanied with Cantonese lyrics in 1992 uplifted, effectively transforming a Chinese folklore into a contemporary Cantonese song. I like to think that music is the body and lyrics the soul, and the music video - a dream come true!