An Shaorong - Master of Yi Suona-playing in Shidian County, Baoshan 

An Shaorong (安绍荣), born in 1954, is an ethnic Yi musician from Bailang Township (摆榔乡), Shidian County (施甸县), Baoshan City (保山市), Yunnan Province (云南省). He is recognized as a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage for his mastery of the Yi people’s suona (唢呐, a traditional double-reed instrument).

From a young age, he was influenced by his grandfather, Li Zian (李自安), who first taught him the suona. His musical lineage reflects both family tradition and community mentorship:

• Early Years (Age 13): Began learning the suona under his grandfather Li Zian (李自安).

• Formal Apprenticeship (1975): Studied with local musicians Li Tianwen (李天文) and An Yingwen (安应文).

• Skill Development (1978 onwards): Expanded his training to include the sanxian (三弦, three-stringed lute), hulusheng (葫芦笙, gourd pipe), Yi folk dances (dagetiao, 打歌调), and the full repertoire of Yi suona melodies.

Performance Style and Achievements

Distinctive Playing Techniques

An Shaorong is renowned for two unique features in his suona artistry:

• “One Breath Sweetness” (一口甜) Technique: By using circular breathing (inhaling through the nose while exhaling through the mouth), he produces continuous sound without interruption. The result is music that flows like a mighty river.

• “Adding Ornamentation” (加花) Innovation: Between phrases, he adds embellishments that enrich the expressiveness of the music.

“In suona playing, mastering breath control is key—nose in, mouth out. Without it, the music breaks. Many learners give up here, but perseverance turns sound into flowing life.”

Representative Works and Contributions

Public Recognition

• Represented Shidian County (施甸县) at the Yunnan Provincial Peasant Arts Festival (1983) and won awards.

• Performed in the Baoshan City (保山市) founding celebration in 2001.

• Over 40 years, gave thousands of performances—from rural weddings and funerals to large-scale provincial and municipal events.

• Praised by Yunnan Net (云南网) as a “Peasant Culture Atmosphere Master” (农民文化‘氛围师’), blending artistic inspiration with cultural preservation.

• Officially listed as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor by Shidian County Government.

Teaching, Transmission, and Cultural Contributions

Open Mentorship Philosophy

• An Shaorong has trained several students, most notably An Chenghua (安成华), who mastered multiple Yi instruments and songs, even surpassing his teacher.

• His teaching belief:

  “There is no threshold for learning. Whoever is willing to study, I will teach. Whether they learn much or little doesn’t matter—what matters is spreading the knowledge. The more people learn, the better chance our heritage survives.”

Cultural Protection and Legacy

• Preservation: Systematically documented and revived endangered Yi suona tunes.

• Promotion: Over five decades, became a local authority on Yi music and cultural performance.

• Exchange: Welcomed students and researchers from Yunnan Minzu University (云南民族大学), sharing Yi traditions through live demonstrations.

• Community Role: His folk music team engages nearly every village in Bailang Township (摆榔乡), keeping suona music alive in weddings, funerals, and festivals.

The Yi Suona – Cultural Background

Instrument Features

• Materials: Traditionally crafted from rhododendron or rosewood; modern versions use golden bamboo and brass.

• Structure: Consists of a flared bell, finger-hole pipe, and reed mouthpiece—all detachable.

• Techniques: Circular breathing (one breath sweetness) allows continuous play across three octaves, producing piercing yet lyrical tones.

• Performance Forms: Solo, duet, or ensemble, adaptable to diverse occasions.

Musical Functions

• Contexts: Played in weddings, funerals, festivals, and religious ceremonies.

• Sound Quality: Powerful, resonant, and emotionally expressive—capable of joy, lament, and spiritual depth.

• Categories: Includes joyful tunes (e.g., Bees Crossing the River, 蜜蜂过江) and mourning tunes for funerals.

• Cultural Role: In Yi belief, the suona is seen as a bridge to ancestors, guiding souls to the afterlife during funeral rites.

Regional Variations

• Yunnan (云南): Suona wedding tunes emphasize lyrical and steady melodies.

• Sichuan (四川): Suona wedding tunes are faster, louder, and more vigorous, reflecting bold Yi character.

• Bailang Township (摆榔乡): Known as a “hometown of folk songs and dances,” with a strong tradition of cultural transmission.

Conclusion

An Shaorong (安绍荣) is more than a suona player—he is a guardian of Yi cultural heritage. With his groundbreaking “one breath sweetness” technique and innovative ornamentation, he has enriched the expressive power of Yi suona music. Through open teaching and tireless dedication, he has ensured that this vibrant tradition will continue to resonate in Baoshan (保山), Yunnan (云南) and beyond.