T.C. Lai

A short introduction (utilizing poetry and art) that covers the eight kinds of sound, some music theory, story-telling as well as the zither known as a qin and the foreign pipa. Today's readers will find it slow-going as the text utilizes the now outdated Wade-Giles transcription system rather than Pinyin, but a glossary with the Chinese characters found in the back resolves any uncertainties.

Introducing a complex subject such as Chinese music is a challenging task much less in only 175 pages (in a small format). Perhaps it is therefore best read by those with a general interest in 'things Chinese' without a background in the subject but with an interest in how music fits into the larger scheme of Chinese aesthetics and its relationship as a means of expression. I personally found [a:Alan R. Thrasher|439181|Alan R. Thrasher|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-ccc56e79bcc2db9e6cdcd450a4940d46.png] 's Chinese Musical Instruments, in Oxford University Press' "Images of Asia" series richer and more helpful.
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