Criticism of the Modern Chinese Orchestra

After watching a performance by the modern Chinese orchestra, Western scholars accused them of not being “authentic” enough. The scholars stated that they were very disappointed because they expected to hear “traditional” Chinese music and what they heard was something that was westernized. They complained because the instruments were factory-made and even included Western instruments such as the cello, bass, and even a keyboard. To their further disappointment, the orchestra played mixtures of arrangements of older pieces and modern compositions. According to one foreigner, it all sounded “‘like lightweight nineteenth-century [Western] music.’” An American professor was afraid that “‘By adding a bit today and a bit tomorrow, [they] will end up completely westernized.’” In the eyes of the critics, Chinese music should stick to the “traditional” music that has been played since earlier times instead of trying to move toward a western music style.

I think that western scholars are being a little too harsh on the modern Chinese orchestra. What does it really mean to be authentic or traditional? Furthermore, who are these scholars to decide what is and what is not authentic? The orchestra is Chinese and they are producing music in China; it’s Chinese music. I think the critics need to understand that times change, and other things change with them. If the technology is available now, why not let musicians take advantage of it? Westerners certainly have, why can’t the Chinese?