In the early ancient Greek period, some scholars had already conducted relevant explorations on this. For example, Plato pointed out in the Law Chapter of "The Republic" that "music is (imitation of) the soul of good or evil." At the same time, Aristotle pointed out in "Poetics": Art originated from imitation.

He also said in "Politics": "The rhythm and melody of music reflect the truth of character - the images of anger and docility, the images of courage and temperance, and these opposite images, other various characters Or the image of sentiment - these images are most realistically expressed in music.

This "imitation theory" has a similar discussion in ancient China, such as "Zhongxia·Ancient Music Chapter" records "Quality." "I imitate the sounds of mountains, forests and valleys to compose music", that is, Emperor Yao ordered Zhi to compose music, so Zhi imitated the sounds of mountains, forests and valleys and made songs. And "listen to the song of the phoenix to distinguish the twelve rhythms" that is, based on the songs of birds The theory of imitation has a huge influence on the discussion of the origin of music.

In later times, some people believed that music originated from conveying one's own emotions. Among the propositions about the origin of music, there is also the proposition that it originated from labor, that is, it emphasizes the body in labor and dance. The rhythm of movement should be the origin of music, such as mill workers' songs, textile songs, boat workers' songs, etc. Foreign scholars such as Wolaszek and K. Bicher hold this view, and there are similar opinions in ancient China. For example, in "Huainanzi·Daoying", "The man who exerts great force today calls out 'xiexu' in front of him, and the others respond in response." This is the "song of persuading gravity". This is the record of the early labor chant.

Later, another "witchcraft theory" emerged. This proposition was proposed by the famous British esthetician Edward Taylor. China also has its own theory. For example, "Zhongxia Music: Ancient Music" records that "Yin Qi is used to regulate all living beings", which gives music a sense of mystery and regards music as a link between humans and gods.

There are more subsequent theories, such as Rong En, a Swiss psychopathologist and founder of Rong En Psychology, who believes that art originated from early collective consciousness, etc.

In general. The relevant theories about the origin of music mainly include "imitation theory", "labor theory" and "witchcraft origin theory". However, there are many opinions, and so far, no one theory can convince everyone.

Extended information:

Music is an art form that uses auditory images composed of organized sounds to express people's thoughts, feelings and social reality. It is also one of the art forms that can move people most instantly. . When the melody sounds, people are often unable to resist being immediately immersed in the atmosphere of the music. Any art form has its own way of expressing ideas and shaping artistic images.

For example, dance uses body movements and facial expressions. Painting embodies artistic images through lines, colors, and compositions, while literature embodies artistic images through words, words, sentences, and articles. Usually, people distinguish different types of art based on different means of expression, such as different musical instruments. Show the intentions of musicians and music creators

Reference:

Baidu Encyclopedia-Music