Vol 14, Issue 4/2003
Finding the right tone
Practice with and without music. By Klemens J. P. Speer
Although Taijiquan originates from a time before the development of electronic music recording, the large number of such CDs, cassettes etc. now being produced suggests that a musical accompaniment is part of Taijiquan or Qigong practice. Klemens Speer describes how sensitively chosen music can help one to forget everyday stress, to relax and to concentrate on the Taiji movements. However, music also distances Taiji players from their natural rhythm – which can also be intentional in order to obtain a release from the ego. For more advanced practice, however, he recommends that one rely on the sounds of nature and one’s own rhythm.
