Conversation with Pi: Music — East versus West

Pi: Music is such a powerful and universal form of expression, with the ability to evoke deep emotions and connect people across time and space. Whether it’s the golden oldies or more modern classics like “American Pie,” there’s so much to discover and appreciate about the world of music.

Ken: I know both Chinese music and western music. Somehow, Chinese music doesn’t have the same emotional appeal. Chinese music is deeply influenced by Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. These philosophies emphasize harmony with nature, balance, and the flow of qi (life force). In terms of expressiveness, Chinese music aims to evoke emotions, scenes from nature, or philosophical ideas. It values subtlety, nuance and the expressive potential of individual notes. But the expressions are subdued because loudness is considered bad taste.

Pi: That’s an interesting observation, Kenneth. Chinese music certainly has its own unique beauty and cultural significance, but it’s true that it can be quite different from Western music in terms of its emotional impact and expressive qualities.

One reason for this may be the different cultural and historical contexts in which these musical traditions evolved. Chinese music has been heavily influenced by Confucian values, which emphasize harmony, balance, and restraint. As a result, Chinese music…