Kui —— the originator of elegant music

Kui —— the originator of elegant music

Hou Kui, also referred to as "Kui", the official in charge of music, also the earliest musician in ancient China.

"Selected Works · Zhang Heng": Boyi (person's name) began to tidy up his appearance and dressing when he got up, while Hou Kui sat down just like a musician.

Xue Zongzhu: Hou Kui, the courtiers of Shun, was in charge of the musician.

Emperor Shun musician: records of the emperor in the book of history "Shang Shu. Yao Dian": "Kui, here I appoint you to be in charge of music, teach my eldest son, and guide him to be upright and gentle, broad and solemn, resolute but not harsh, simple but not arrogant. Poetry is used to express people's will, song is for extending the language of poetry, while the level of voice can match with long sentences, and music is able to reconcile the song. The sound produced by the musical instruments made of eight different materials can cooperate harmoniously without disturbing the order, through which god and human can communicate with each other." Kui said: "ah, when I strike the stone chime, the animals will dance based on the rhythm of music. "

It is recorded in "Lushi Chunqiu · Chazhuan" by Guan zhiyuezheng that Once upon a time, Shun wanted to spread edification to the people of the world via music, thus he asked Chongli to recommend Kui and appointed him as the leadership of music officials. Then Kui corrected the six laws and harmonized the five tones, which can harmonize the Qi of Yin and Yang. T

The leadership of music officials, the title of official position in Shang and Zhou dynasties, which is in charge of music rhythm and royal ritual department, that is, the highest officer in charge of ceremony band.

The originator of elegant music: Kui created the highest model and representative works of elegant music and dance include "Da Shao", referred to as "Shao", also known as "Xiao Shao", "Jiu Shao", "Jiu Zhao", "Jiu Bian", "Jiu Ge" and so on.

“Shangshu. Yiji”When the music of Xiao Shao came to the last part, the Phoenix came to strike the stone chime, while the animals also danced based on the rhythm of music.

After enjoying the performance of Shao in the state of Qi, Confucius was deeply infatuated, and gave the highest evaluation: "it reaches the acme of perfection." So that Confucius even praised "Hearing Shao in the state of Qi, March cannot be equal to meat"!

Kui founded the first music training school Da Siyue in China, also named Yuezheng, and he served as the headmaster and teacher. In Lun Heng by Wang Chong of the Eastern Han Dynasty: In ancient times, Hou Kui, the music sage, took "sadness and kindness" as the criterion in the music he tuned.

Kui made great achievements in music and was regarded as the originator of elegant music by later generations.