志异 Draft by Drama box December 2014 (english) | Page 35

This added consciousness of the universal impact of one’s
individual actions is similar to tuning an instrument, as it
requires one to make the necessary adjustments, moderations,
in order to avoid acting in a way that would produce dissonant
actions or conflict. Just as how a tuned instrument is able to
avoid producing dissonant sounds, a moderated individual with
universal concern avoids acting in a conflicting manner.

3

The Second Musical Model of Harmony

The second model of musical harmony involves managing
diversity in the context of the same space, but not necessarily
at the same time. In an orchestral setting (both in ancient
China and in a modern context), there will be times when some
instruments must ‘give way’ to other instruments to take the
lead. In this model, harmony is about preserving the continuity
of the performance through a series of leading and giving way to
one another. Disharmony occurs when instruments or musicians

Jonathan Sim

Harmony can thus be achieved when a common standard of
interaction is established among diverse groups. This common
standard requires slight adjustments on the part of all, but it is a
necessary adjustment so as to prevent conflicts from happening.

35
Early Chinese Conceptions of Harmony

individual to exercise this universal treatment in their own way,
according to their own system of beliefs and values.