Leader of Fongli Yuan - Cao,Rong-Yuan

1.Basic Information:

  (1).Name: Cao,Rong-Yuan

  (2).Gender:Male

  (3).Service Units: Fongli Yuan

  (4).Job Title: Leader

2.Interview Questions:

Q1. Can you briefly introduce "Beiguan" music?  

Q2. What is the relationship between Beiguan and the more commonly known Nanguan music?

A1+A2. Beiguan is a traditional music system in Taiwan. In the past, it was used in the background of puppet shows and operas. Nowadays, it is mainly used in the accompaniment of puppet shows. Beiguan was brought to Taiwan from Fujian and Zhangzhou in mainland China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Compared to Nanguan music, which is more refined and elegant, Beiguan is known for being louder and more lively. It is important to continue to pass on this musical tradition to prevent it from fading away.

Q3. How did you become interested in Beiguan music?

A3. I first encountered Beiguan music when I was young, but did not have the opportunity to learn it until I was an adult. I learned it from my brother, who was a former leader of our local Beiguan music group.

Q4. Which Beiguan instruments do you play?

A4. I play the flute, “yangqin” (a type of hammered dulcimer), and shell-shaped lute, as well as various percussion instruments such as the clapper, drum, and gong.

Q5. Were there any difficulties you encountered during the learning process?

A5. One difficulty I encountered was that I initially learned Chinese traditional music, which uses a different notation system than Beiguan music. It took me some time to adapt to the different notation system, but with practice and patience, I was able to master it.

Q6. What profound insights or experiences do you have regarding Beiguan music?

A6. Beiguan music was the only music we could enjoy in our early rural society, because when we were young, there were no saxophones or Western music. We only had Beiguan music. If there was a wedding or temple performance in our village, we would have Beiguan music. Otherwise, there was no music, and no Beiguan music.

Q7. Do you have any other suggestions for us?

A7. You can practice singing "Two Tigers" and write it as "12311231345345565431565431151151". When you learn to sing this song, you can also memorize this sheet music. If you forget the tune when performing, you can still play the melody with instruments using the sheet music. So practice this sheet music, and you'll be able to perform with no problems.