We will first have to talk about virtue if we want to discuss “virtuous music is true music”. It is said “accumulate virtue and do good deeds”, “in doing virtuous deeds one will have blessings”. The similar encouragement of doing good deeds has been spread widely over thousands of years. “Be of noble character and with a high prestige” is saying the same thing. One enjoys high prestige because one is rich in moral goodness. When people compose music to express pleasant feelings and noble thoughts, this kind of music is bound to be delightful. Nice music originates from a virtuous heart, has the foundation of moral excellence. Only then it is graceful music. In addition graceful music is only fully appreciated by a virtuous heart. On the other hand, immorality will produce no good music.
“Virtuous music is the true music,” means the melody and harmony are put together under the foundation of virtue and music. There are two different types of sound, musical sound and noise. The musical sound (a serious of tones with established vibration) composed with certain melody is real music. Some so-called music only has rhythm but not beautiful melody cannot be classified as real music. Although some music has tones and rhythm, with its extravagant performance, it has lost the music’s original charm. Some people use music as a propaganda tool, for serving their political purposes. This is a total disrespect for music.
Fine music is always performed by people from the bottom of their hearts, and recognised by the soul of the listeners. Harmonious music can create a positive influence, soothing a disgruntled mood, tranquillising a troubled mind, uplifting one’s thoughts and bring peace to this world.
Translated from: www.yuanming.net/articles/200303/18369.html
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