中考真题2025年江苏省南通市初中中考阅读D-古琴创新：传统与现代的平衡
“Click, click, click.” The drummer hit the drumsticks against each other to give a beat, and the band started to play. Kai played a guqin solo, and for most of the show, he played along with the rhythm of the drums. The band played faster and faster. Kai’s classmates jumped to their feet, clapping and screaming. When the music ended, there was an awkward(尴尬的) silence. They all looked at the teachers.
Mr. Li asked, “What were you trying to express?”
Kai murmured, “I wanted to do something different ... to modernize the guqin’s sound.”
“Well, it’s a good try. But you know it has over 3,000 years of history. I don’t think you’ve presented the characteristics well,” said Mr. Li. “The guqin is ... We could hardly hear the guqin,” added Miss Zhou. “I’m afraid I can’t give you high marks.”
“Please, can I have another chance?” begged Kai.
They finally agreed.
Alone in the hall later, Kai sat in his chair, feeling a little sad. “I understand what you were trying,” Kai looked up and saw Miss Zhou by his side. “But before you can break the rules, you have to master them.”
Kai was puzzled. What did she mean?
“The guqin is connected to nature: the bottom board represents the ground and the rounded top board represents the sky. A wonderful guqin performance shows the harmony ( 和 谐 ) between people and nature.”
“Miss Zhou, is it true to play the guqin with other instruments?”
“Because it is so quiet,” replied Miss Zhou. “It’s usually played alone. Sometimes, it can be played with the dizzi or another Chinese note masters. And you know, there’s Chinese philosophy (哲理) behind every form of art. That’s what makes Chinese art special. We should try hard to keep the valuable traditions and connect them with modern life.”
“Is it true that Confucius played the guqin?”
“Exactly. Confucius believed that music was necessary for a well-rounded education. It could help a person develop his inner self.”
“Can I help it modern?” Kai was wondering if he had asked a stupid question.
“Ancient musicians followed traditions to show respect. To modernize it, try to find the right way to keep the value. How will you change your piece?”
“I’m not sure yet,” said Kai. “But I’m going to do something different again.”
That night, Kai kept thinking about the next show. “How can I present the guqin and balance the traditional spirit with a modern touch?” he wondered.
Then, he had an idea ...