Silk and Bamboo" Music in Shanghai: The Jiangnan Sizhu Instrumental Ensemble Tradition (World Musics)

Rating:
Summary: Welcome addition to scholarship and readable too
Review: The ensemble tradition of South China is too little known, both in the West and China. Prof. Witzleben's book is a highly readable introduction to this music and the people who make it. Although the music, complex heterophony, requires virtuoso technique, many of the musicians are gifted amateurs, factory workers as well as world famous conservatory professors. In this repect it is a uniquely Chinese endeavor. Prof Witzleben does an excellent job placing the music in its social context....