Traditional Chinese music can be traced back 7,000 – 8,000 years
based on the discovery of a bone flute made in the Neolithic
Age. In the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, only royal families
and dignitary officials enjoyed music, which was made on chimes
and bells. During the Tang Dynasty, dancing and singing entered
the mainstream, spreading from the royal court to the common
people. With the introduction of foreign religions such as
Buddhism and Islam, exotic and religious melodies were absorbed
into Chinese music and were enjoyed by the Chinese people at
fairs organized by religious temples. In the Song Dynasty,
original opera such as Zaju and Nanxi was performed in tearooms,
theatres, and showplaces. Writers and artists liked it so much
that Ci, a new type of literature resembling lyrics, thrived.
During the Yuan Dynasty, qu, another type of literature based on
music became popular. This was also a period when many
traditional musical instruments were developed such as the pipa,
the flute, and the zither. D