The sheng, a representative instrument in Chinese history, with its diverse expressive characteristics, is widely utilized in various cultural and stylistic works. Composer Suel Li-Jyun, an expert in Manchu studies from Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China and a National First-Class Composer, draws on his life background as the basis for his creative endeavors. Suel Li-Jyun combines tradition with innovation through numerous musical compositions, showcasing the unique charm of Northeastern music in the music industry. It holds significant importance and relevance in cultural inheritance or development and promotion.
Utilizing the sheng's wide tonal range and diverse performance techniques, Suel Li-Jyun composed the sheng concerto "Dance of Shaman." The author collects relevant literature to understand the characteristics of Manchu music and shamanic elements in Northeast China, linking them with the composer's life background and creative concepts. This study delves into the style and interpretation of the sheng in Manchu shamanic music by conducting a musical analysis of "Dance of Shaman" and practical performance. It is hoped that the interpretive suggestions and insights proposed in this study can benefit both the author and other performers by allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the background of this composition. Furthermore, it is anticipated that composers can utilize local music characteristics to create more diverse music sources, thereby expanding the repertoire of sheng compositions.
