Author Question: How might the bell ensembles musical performances illustrate useless conspicuous consumption? Yet ... (Read 66 times)

Lobcity · **on:** Jul 25, 2018

How might the bell ensembles musical performances illustrate useless conspicuous consumption? Yet what useful function might these performances serve for the Marquis?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What type of musical instruments were found in the tomb of Marquis Yi? What other valuable artifacts concerning Court music of this time were found? Was any music notation found?

What will be an ideal response?

Leostella20 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The bell ensemble performances represented elaborate and expensive artistic productions, essentially useless to human survival.
These musical performances and instrumentseven to the point of burying people presumed to be performers with the expensive bell set in the Marquis's tomb--served the useful function of projecting his regal ambitions, his elevated status and his wealth.

Answer to Question 2

A full set of ritual musical instruments, including a sixty-five-piece set of studded bronze zhong bells (tuned to two pitches) and thirty-two tuned qing chime stones; drums, strings, and wind instruments completed the ensemble
Tunings were inscribed on the bells, giving insight into the tonal system in use at the time; illustrations of musicians in performance were also found.
Unfortunately, no music notation was discovered.