The Dong are an ethnic minority group in China. They are believed to be the descendants of the ancient Guyue people, who settled over 2,500 years ago. They are mainly found in Guizhou, Hunan, Guangxi, and Hubei provinces. Their population is about 2.6 million, and the majority of them are involved in agriculture and forestry. In addition to their simplicity and honesty, the Dong people are also artistically talented. As a popular saying states, "The Dong culture has three treasures: the drum tower, the grand songs, and the bridal sedan chair". Among these treasures, the grand songs are a type of folk music that is unique to the Dong. The Dong people have a saying that rice will nourish the body and songs will nourish the soul.
A Grand Song is a multi-part singing without instrumental accompaniment or a leader. This tradition is performed during the first days of the Festival. The repertoire includes ballads, children's songs, songs of greeting, and imitative songs in which the performers are tested on how well they can imitate the sounds of animals. Often, the host group invites visitors to sing in the antiphonal style. It should only be between groups of different genders, and the same gender cannot invite each other to sing. The songs include solo and chorus pieces as well as songs featuring multiple voice parts: alt, mediant, and bass, or only alt and bass. The bass is the main part, lasting for a long time, lingering like the loquacious murmuring of the brook. Alt voices are free to express themselves, imitating hundreds of birds talking at the same time. They are harmonious and exquisite, with free rhythm, a graceful melody, and a swift pace. Occasionally the lyrics are calm and fluent, full of sentiment, often smart and bold with grand might, yet other times they are sweet and clear, echoing and appealing.
The Dong people treasure their grand songs very much, considering that songs are knowledge and that the one who is capable of singing a great many songs is knowledgeable. The grand songs are learned by masters and performed formally in their drum tower, the landmark venue for rituals, entertainment, and meetings in a Dong village. They also sing them spontaneously in public places or at home. People in the Dong homeland regard singing masters as the sages and wisest of all people, so they are highly respected by the local people. Folk songs are a significant aspect of the Dong culture, demonstrating the Dong people's love for life, nature, and their hometown, as well as their sincerity, warmth, and honesty. They are also beautiful, plain, and grand songs. Today, Grand Song is widely performed in many villages, with choirs that are structured according to age and sometimes gender.
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