The double bass in the Chinese symphony orchestra and the national orchestra

Abstract

This study provides information on how the double bass was introduced to China as well as the development of the double bass in Chinese national orchestras and Western-style symphony orchestras in China. The cultural exchange between China and other countries and how Western musicians and missionaries brought the instrument to China is described in this document. Also, the document includes a discussion of some of the first orchestras and musical institutions in China before 1949 and the presence of Western musicians teaching and playing music in China. The researcher offers accounts of the double bass’ development after 1949, the double bass in Chinese symphony orchestras, exchange activities between Chinese and foreign symphony orchestras, orchestral training, and use of the double bass in different genres of music, such as Chinese Revolutionary Modal Opera. Furthermore, the document will concentrate on the double bass in Chinese “national orchestras”, including research on the continuing development of various bass stringed instruments in Chinese national orchestras.