Posted in: World Music by Marcin Kaminski on January 8th, 2012 | 17 Comments
If you ever wondered how does Chinese sound like, listening to music in that language may be a good idea to get some idea on that. Let’s explore Chinese music!
If this is your first contact with Chinese, then you may be surprised to find a new, completely different, thrilling world of music. Chinese songs tend to employ more classical instruments than its western counterparts. You will often hear the sounds of piano and violin in normal pop songs, while electric guitars and the likes will appear very rarely. For that reason the music is slower in rhythm and soothing. Singers voices are always clear and if you knew Chinese, you would probably understand every word.
There is no nudity in the videoclips, which always tell some kind of a story. Chinese music is more of an art than amusement thriving on lower desires. It is an aesthetic experience. I always enjoy listening to Chinese music.
Quick note: there are many varieties of the Chinese language, many of which are mutually incomprehensible. Two most dominant languages in the music industry are Cantonese and Mandarin. Mandarin is the official language in People’s Republic of China, while Cantonese is spoken in Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, Macau and some of the overseas Chinese communities. However, the most successful music industry is definitely the one of Hong Kong, and that is why it is common for Mandarin singers to release Cantonese versions of their songs.
That being said, let’s have a look at some of the best Chinese singers. I say a few words about each of the artists and post links to the videos you can watch for free on youtube.
My favourite Chinese singer. He is one of the most prominent figures in the Hong Kong music industry. His sings mainly in Cantonese, but also in Mandarin and English. The words of his songs always have a profound meaning and the video clips are touching. Eason puts all his emotions into singing. His voice is sometimes subtle and sometimes very powerful. It hard to find to a singer that gives all of himself to his work. He is known for eccentric hairstyles. I have found real, living beauty in Eason’s art.
Some say Kay Tse is the female version of Eason Chan, and in fact her art is equally unparalleled and beautiful. Those two really stand out among the Hong Kong singers (yes, she is also from Hong Kong). For me, her songs are a bit more delicate than Eason’s and it is pure pleasure to watch her videoclips because she is really beautiful.
The Elements January 8th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
i like chinese music. though i cant understand there meanings, the melody is so nice.
Siti cholifah January 8th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Nice,,,I like it…
Eunike January 8th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
I only know the great late Leslie Cheung, the one who introduce me to Canto-pop. I heard about the other, but I have lost any interest to Chinese music.
AmosTheCat January 8th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Very nice. In the late 1980s I was a diction coach for a Chinese woman who was in the School of Music of the university where I worked. She was learning western opera singing. Her greatest difficulty, besides the typical problems of a Chinese speaker speaking English, was singing very loudly. I don’t know how many times I used the word “louder”. I would make her just shout words without even singing them and she would be very embarrassed. Since we worked in my home I think our cats were permanently traumatized.
ozicha January 8th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
nice article
rubysexy January 9th, 2012 at 12:00 am
I like it.
aisha jamal January 9th, 2012 at 2:59 am
though i couldn’t understand but still i like chinees music
kalule Arthur January 9th, 2012 at 5:32 am
i really listen to Chinese music. it must be great listening to, i’ll give it a try someday
kalule Arthur January 9th, 2012 at 5:34 am
sorry i meant rearly
kalule Arthur January 9th, 2012 at 5:35 am
rarely
marqjonz January 9th, 2012 at 5:51 am
Excellent collection.
realityspeaks January 9th, 2012 at 9:39 am
Excellent post
kedaiku January 9th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
I like this article…. Thanks for the info
Fashion News Store
Marcin Kaminski January 10th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
kalsmic, you can try it today! just click at one of the links. it will take you 2 minutes.
Robert Heston January 12th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Once upon a time I didn’t care for Chinese music. But ever since my trip there 2 years ago I like listening to it because it takes me back, in my mind at least.
prsol46 January 13th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Excellent research, I love music and many types of it!
Kristie Claar January 17th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
well shared