A comparison using “Dance of the Yao People”

Since this song is originally composed for a western orchestra, this song can be used to compare the timbres of the instruments.

Western orchestra version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtch2HjmBQI

Chinese orchestra version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxHNyZs1gvI

Starting from the very beginning, both orchestras used plucking, known as pizzicato in western music terminology, in the bass string instruments while the strings with a higher pitch play the melody. The timbre of both versions sounds very similar, besides the rapid plucking from the pipa in the Chinese orchestral version. Both versions also made use of wind instruments, particularly flutes, as they are present in both Chinese and Western instrumental families.

The inherent difference in the musical instruments, however, creates a slight variance between the two versions. Chinese instruments, compared to Western instruments, have unstable pitches that tend to give a “trembling” effect. This effect is present in almost all Chinese instruments, which emphasize its importance. Comparatively, Western instruments are much more stable in melody, even with the use of vibrato, because Western music stresses the need to avoid dissonance.

This piece also presents a form that bears a resemblance to Western music – ternary form. Primary motives were presented in the beginning of the piece, and later, the slow “development” section enters. Lastly, the primary section returns with a slight altercation at the end for the ending cadence.