Explore the vibrant world of Buddhist monastic music in “The Instrumental Music of Wutaishan’s Buddhist Monasteries: Social and Ritual Contexts.” Beth Szczepanski offers a groundbreaking study of shengguan, or wind music, in China’s sacred Wutaishan region. This book delves into the fascinating interplay of tradition and modernity in monastic musical practices, examining instrumentation, notation, and ritual functions. Based on extensive fieldwork, including interviews and musical recordings, it provides deep insights into the historical, political, economic, and religious forces shaping Chinese music. Discover a unique Western perspective on a subject long studied by Chinese musicologists, making it essential reading for scholars of music, religion, and Chinese culture interested in the evolving soundscape of a holy mountain. Perfect for “The Bookish Owl” readers seeking enriching cultural explorations.