In the feudal dynasties of past dynasties, music was played for the palace rulers inside the palace or at court ceremonies. The types of Chinese court music can be roughly divided into two categories: outer court music and inner court music according to the circumstances in which it is performed. The outer dynasty was the place where ministers met and conducted business; the inner court was where the emperor and his concubines lived. There is different music for these two different occasions.

According to its functional nature, it can be divided into classic music and entertainment music. Ceremonial music is mainly used to show the solemnity of ceremonies and the majesty of the emperor, including sacrificial music, court music, lubo music, etc.; entertainment music is for people to appreciate and pleasure the body and mind, including banquet music, performance music, and percussion music. Le et al.

Court music has the following characteristics:

(1) Utilitarian, using music to express the majesty and nobility of the ruler, or to use music to praise the ruler, or to enjoy music , one of the means of entertainment.

(2) Ceremonial nature, that is, it is mostly played to match certain ceremonial occasions. Different music is used according to the functions of different occasions. There are also different music for different stages of the ceremony. The same name The music also has different orchestra arrangements and performances according to different occasions.

(3) The "elegance" of melody and rhythm, with grace, slenderness, elegance and dignity as its basic style characteristics.