Vocal techniques and narrative expression in Sichuan Bamboo Qin: A case study of He Jufang

Abstract

This study examines the characteristics and structures of vocal techniques in Sichuan Bamboo Qin through a case study of the performance practice of He Jufang, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage within the Zhonghe Tune tradition. A qualitative case study approach was employed, integrating documentary research, semi-structured interviews, performance observation, and musicological analysis in conjunction with acoustic analysis to explore the relationships among musical structure, modal system, vocal techniques, and narrative function in three representative repertoires. The findings reveal that vocal techniques consist of several core components, including breath control, resonance application, the Shi San Qiang (Thirteen Tones) system, decorative techniques, and dialect-based diction, all of which play a crucial role in conveying emotional expression and musical meaning. These techniques are closely associated with musical structure, modal organization, pitch range, and rhythmic patterns, requiring performers to adapt vocal production in accordance with narrative context. Moreover, the interaction between voice and instrumental accompaniment reflects an integrated musical system characterized by rhythmic synchronization, melodic echo, and phrase filling, which enhances narrative continuity and expressive intensity. This study contributes to a systematic analytical understanding of vocal techniques in Sichuan Bamboo Qin and highlights the role of performers as both transmitters and interpreters of traditional practices within contemporary contexts, offering valuable insights for ethnomusicological research and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Keywords

• Sichuan Bamboo Qin
• vocal techniques
• Zhonghe Tune
• ethnomusicology
• intangible cultural heritage

Supporting Institution

This research was financially supported by Mahasarakham University.

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Mahasarakham University Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects (Approval No. 746-666/2025). All procedures involving human participants were conducted in accordance with institutional and international ethical standards. Prior to data collection, participants were fully informed about the objectives and procedures of the study, and informed consent was obtained. Participants were assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. All data were treated confidentially and used solely for academic research purposes.

Thanks

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to He Jufang for generously sharing her knowledge, experience, and performance practices, which were essential to this study. The authors also extend their appreciation to the College of Music, Mahasarakham University, for academic support and research facilitation. In addition, the authors would like to thank all participants and contributors who supported the data collection process and provided valuable insights throughout the study.

Sichuan Bamboo Qin’de vokal teknikler ve anlatısal ifade: He Jufang üzerine bir vaka çalışması

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Zhonghe Ezgisi geleneği içinde somut olmayan kültürel miras taşıyıcısı olan He Jufang’ın icra pratiğini bir vaka incelemesi olarak ele alarak, Sichuan Bamboo Qin’deki vokal tekniklerin özelliklerini ve yapısal düzenini incelemektedir. Nitel vaka çalışması yaklaşımı benimsenmiş; belgesel inceleme, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler, performans gözlemi ve müzikolojik analiz, akustik analiz ile birlikte kullanılarak, seçilen üç temsili repertuvar örneğinde müzikal yapı, modal sistem, vokal teknikler ve anlatısal işlev arasındaki ilişkiler araştırılmıştır. Bulgular, vokal tekniklerin nefes kontrolü, rezonans kullanımı, Shi San Qiang (On Üç Ton) sistemi, süsleme teknikleri ve lehçe temelli artikülasyon gibi temel bileşenlerden oluştuğunu ve bunların tümünün duygusal ifade ile müzikal anlamın aktarılmasında belirleyici bir rol oynadığını göstermektedir. Bu teknikler, müzikal yapı, modal örgütlenme, ses genişliği ve ritmik örüntülerle yakından ilişkilidir; bu nedenle icracılar, anlatısal bağlama uygun olarak ses üretimini uyarlamak zorundadır. Ayrıca ses ile çalgısal eşlik arasındaki etkileşim, ritmik eşzamanlılık, melodik yankılama ve cümle tamamlama ile karakterize edilen bütünleşik bir müzikal sistemi yansıtmakta; bu da anlatısal sürekliliği ve anlatım yoğunluğunu güçlendirmektedir. Bu çalışma, Sichuan Bamboo Qin’deki vokal tekniklerin sistematik ve analitik biçimde anlaşılmasına katkı sağlamakta; ayrıca icracıların çağdaş bağlamlarda geleneksel pratiklerin hem aktarıcısı hem de yorumlayıcısı olarak üstlendikleri rolü vurgulayarak etnomüzikolojik araştırmalar ve somut olmayan kültürel mirasın korunması açısından değerli açılımlar sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Sichuan Bamboo Qin
• vokal teknikler
• Zhonghe Ezgisi
• etnomüzikoloji
• somut olmayan kültürel miras

Supporting Institution

Bu araştırma, Mahasarakham Üniversitesi tarafından mali olarak desteklenmiştir.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma, Mahasarakham Üniversitesi İnsan Katılımcılı Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu tarafından onaylanmıştır (Onay No: 746-666/2025). İnsan katılımcıları içeren tüm araştırma süreçleri, kurumsal ve uluslararası etik standartlara uygun olarak yürütülmüştür. Veri toplama sürecinden önce katılımcılara araştırmanın amacı ve yöntemi hakkında gerekli bilgilendirme yapılmış ve bilgilendirilmiş onam alınmıştır. Katılımcılara, istedikleri zaman herhangi bir yaptırım olmaksızın çalışmadan çekilme hakları olduğu bildirilmiştir. Tüm veriler gizlilik ilkesi çerçevesinde korunmuş ve yalnızca akademik amaçlarla kullanılmıştır.

Thanks

Yazarlar, bu çalışmanın gerçekleştirilmesinde bilgi, deneyim ve icra pratiğini paylaşarak önemli katkılar sağlayan He Jufang’a içten teşekkürlerini sunar. Ayrıca Mahasarakham Üniversitesi Müzik Fakültesi’ne akademik destekleri ve araştırma sürecine sağladıkları katkılar için teşekkür ederler. Bunun yanı sıra veri toplama sürecine katkıda bulunan ve değerli görüşlerini paylaşan tüm katılımcılara teşekkür ederler.

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