古代乐官重要功能述论

On Functions of the Ancient Chinese Court Musical Officers

古代乐官的功能多种多样,其中正乐功能主要包括校正乐律、修造乐器、采集并编订民间歌舞、校正并重建前朝乐舞等四个方面;传播功能包括横向传播及纵向传播两大类;文化保存功能主要包括历史的保存、乐舞戏剧的保存、乐谱的创造与利用等几个方面;而教育功能的发展变化则与古代学政和乐政的变迁息息相关。以上四种功能虽历经变迁,却能始终贯彻持续,因而对古代社会、古代文化、古代音乐戏剧均产生了重要的影响。

Among others, ancient Musical Officers had four major functions. The first is management of music af- fairs, which includes correcting music temperament, repairing and making musical instruments, collecting folk songs and dances, and recreating music and dance of former dynasties. The second is dissemination of musical cul- ture. The third is culture preservation, including preservation of historical literature, drama, music and dance, and printing music scores. The last one is educational function, which was reatly influenced by the change of ancient education and music policies. These four functions played by the ancient musical officers have significantly influ- enced ancient societies, cultures, and the developments of music and drama.