The earliest treatise on music aesthetics in my country so far is "Le Ji", which is based on Confucianism and includes other schools of thought. It talks about the origin and characteristics of music, the relationship between music, society, and politics. It is the culmination of the aesthetic thoughts of Pre-Qin Confucianism.
There have always been two opinions about the records of "Le Ji". One is that it was written by Gongsun Nizi, a disciple of Confucius during the Warring States Period, and the other is that it was written by Liu Xiang of the Han Dynasty. , obtained by Liu Xin and his son from collating ancient pre-Qin books.
As for the origin of music, "Music" believes that music is expressed through sound, and emotions come from people's reactions to reality. It is believed that changes in external things cause various changes in people's emotions, and music is the external expression of these changes. Regarding the influence of music on people's emotions, it is true that those who play music enjoy it, and human feelings are inevitable. ?Everyone needs music in life, this is inevitable. The influence of music on emotions emphasized in "Music" is very correct. When a country is at the climax of the revolution or is resisting the invasion of foreign enemies, revolutionary songs fill the streets and alleys, the people's revolutionary enthusiasm is high, and the sense of justice overwhelms all evil spirits. . When the music of melancholy spreads, many young people become depressed and depressed. Modern research results also prove that there is a certain connection between music and emotion. "Music Records" also emphasizes that music has an inseparable relationship with politics and society. The book records: "The sound of the old governance is peaceful and happy, and the government is harmonious; the sound of troubled times is resentful and angry, and the government is obedient..." ?As for the social function of music, it advocates that music coordinates the governance of government affairs, corrects social atmosphere, etiquette, etc., and serves the ruler's civil and military achievements.
"Yue Ji" inherits and develops Confucian thoughts since Confucius on the characteristics of music, the functions of music notes, and the relationship between content, form and style, ritual and music. These ideas are consistent with those in the Confucian works before it. is more clear, full and systematic. "Le Ji", as the most important and systematic treatise on musical ideological education in ancient China, still shines brightly to this day.