Mandopop

A general term to describe popular songs performed in Mandarin, some of which were versions of Cantopop songs sung by the same singers with different lyrics to suit the different rhyme and tonal patterns of Mandarin. Songs performed in the traditional style employed traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu (spike fiddle), pipa (plucked instrument with 4 strings), and sanxian (lute), while more Western orchestral instruments such as trumpets, violins, and piano are used in others. Chinese and Western instruments are also combined in some recordings.

Today’s Mandopop arrangements are generally westernized, covering many musical styles, including rhythm and blues, ballads, pop, and hip hop. Mandopop switched from simple imitation to adjusting the melodies and lyrics creatively in short time. 1970s–    .