Music and power in confucius and mao zedong

Abstract

Although advocating distinct ideologies, Confucius and Mao Zedong shared the idea of music as a fundamental element in shaping the ethos of the human being and, therefore, influencing polit-ical activity, both defending its control by the rulers. This idea has not only been reflected in music production itself, but also in the institution of musical organizations and practices which have consolidated the power of governments over the musical art throughout various periods of Chinese history, with the ultimate goal of achieving social harmony.