Daoist Music of Mt Wudang

Brief introduction

The rhythm mainly used in the Daoist music of Mt. Wudang is the "Orthodox Rhythm of the Complete Perfection Tradition" ( 全真正韻 quanzhen zhengyun ), i.e. the "Rhythm of Ten Directions ( 十方韻 shifang yun ) ". Simultaneously, influenced by local culture and its own historical inheritance, the Daoist music of Mt Wudang has evolved some local characteristics and has a fairly strong individuality, thus composing a Daoist music system with both the generality manifested in the style features of the "Rhythm of Ten Directions", and the individuality of local characteristics. In addition, many Daoist sects have been established on or exerted influence on Mt Wudang from ancient times till now, and the Complete Perfection sect and the Orthodox Oneness sect ( 正一派 hengyi pai ) are both settled on the mountain at present, so the Daoist music of Mt Wudang incorporates various kinds of styles and forms the unique "Rhythm of Wudang Mountain ( 武當韻 wudang yun ) ".

Content, form and features

The Daoist music of Mt Wudang is classified into "rhythm" (the part of vocal music) and "tune" (the part of instrumental music), and "rhythm" is subdivided into "Yin rhythm" and "Yang rhythm" while "tune" is subdivided into the "formal tune" and the "informal tune" according to different situations and audiences. The "Yang rhythm" and "formal tune" are often performed in worship halls; they are the music frequently used in the activities inside the temples. The "Yin rhythm" and "informal tune" are mostly performed outside the worship halls. The "Yin rhythm" is mainly applied to the rituals for the salvation of the dead, while the "informal tune" is mainly used in entertainment performances.