Relaxing Piano Music

In Chinese piano music, traditional pieces generally use the pentatonic scale. The intervals are nearly the same as in the major pentatonic scale, but different keys produce different musical results. Western piano analysis will interpret the keys as having a relative major/minor relationship. Pentatonic scales have been used by both Chinese and western composers for centuries. In the 1950s, they dominated piano creation for the rest of the twentieth century.

Whether listening to relaxing piano music is an effective stress management method is not yet completely clear. Although it may sound strange, music plays a major role in our everyday lives. The brain responds to music in various ways, including influencing our emotions, cognitive processes, and physiological responses. Previous studies have shown that listening to piano music reduces stress and anxiety. However, it was not a reliable solution, as the TSST was too powerful a stressor to be effective.
Creates tension

There are many types of Chinese piano music compositions, but there are several things to know about the Chinese genre. Chinese classical music typically has flowing, atmospheric structures, and uses the upper register of the piano. Its sound is soft and peaceful, and it takes listeners on a journey into phantasy. Many compositions have titles that evoke the mystery and beauty of Chinese culture. Some even have titles that reference landscapes, birds, and flowers.

While jazz is still very popular in the United States, its appeal in China is rapidly eroding. Although world-famous jazzmen are unconcerned with advancing the American geopolitical agenda, most Chinese perceive jazz as intertwined with the Pax Americana, the ethos of Western imperialism. Nevertheless, some contemporary Chinese pianists have managed to translate traditional Chinese songs into jazz.

This study examines original compositions and transcribed folk music from different regions of China. The objective is to further enhance understanding of traditional folk idioms and understand their influence on contemporary Chinese piano music. It starts by introducing basic pentatonic theory and Chinese folk melody, and examines modified harmonies. The analysis then goes on to explore the relationship between contemporary Chinese piano music and Chinese folk music.

If you want to play Chinese solo piano music, you've come to the right place. This title features 24 songs from the Chinese tradition, including classics such as Crescent Moon, Darkening Sky, Hand Drum Song, Jasmine Flower Song, Mountaintop View, and more. The beautiful illustrations accompany the texts, and the book also includes a map of China. You can purchase individual selections and arrangements from this title at Sheet Music Direct.
Yin Zizhong

The composer of this music is Estonian. His works were inspired by deep religious feelings and have a strange hypnotic effect on their listeners. His works are minimalist and bare, bringing the listener's inner truth to life. This music reaches far beyond the classical realm and has reached bestselling status. If you want to relax to the sound of soothing music, then Arvo Part's pieces are ideal.
Beethoven's 'Moonlight' Sonata

Xian grew up impoverished in Fanyu, Guangdong Province, and learned the violin at age 20. Despite his poor circumstances, he devoted himself to music and became the first Chinese student to attend the Paris Music Academy. He studied in France for several years, working part-time and composing background scores for revolutionary films. His music gained international attention and eventually earned him the title of "Chicken Killer."

This study has several limitations. For example, the research design of this study had a control group that did not listen to any music, and a group that was listening to only one type of stressor. This was insufficient to identify if piano music is a valuable stress management tool. This type of study will be more accurate once researchers have the proper instruments to test the effects of piano music on stress levels. Therefore, we need to conduct more research on this topic.

This music was very popular in the Communist-controlled areas, where musicians used traditional folk melodies and ornamentation to write revolutionary songs. For example, The East Is Red was adapted into a nationalist hymn and the composer Xian Xinghai composed the Yellow River Cantata to reflect the different emotions of the audience. Yin Zizhong's Chinese solo piano music is a perfect example of this idiom.

A major complication with Grieg's concerto is its orchestra. The work was first published in 1872, but Grieg continually amended it. In 1872, a trumpet was introduced as the second subject in the first movement. The tuba was subsequently dropped and a second set of horns was added. The final version dates from Grieg's last years and reflects his changes.
Satie's Gymnopedie

Among the more notable Chinese compositions is the Yellow River concerto, based on a 1939 cantata of the same name. This work premiered in 1969 and was a big hit among the Communist party leaders during the Cultural Revolution. It remains a popular favorite today. If you have ever wondered what makes Chinese music so unique, you should try it. It is truly remarkable! So don't wait any longer! Just start listening to some of these Chinese piano music compositions today!