One Hundred Years Of Chinese Piano Music
Various scientific research materials aim to develop music education regarding traditional Chinese music culture. The subjects of these studies include strategies for improving piano education in Chinese music schools. The majority of researchers focus on classifying traditional compositions and stress the role of the piano teacher in propagating the traditional culture. It is important to note that there is no single-best way to teach Chinese piano music, but a combination of strategies can yield impressive results.
The study of traditional Chinese piano music plays a vital role in the development of musical literacy among college students. A number of problems in higher professional colleges, including inadequate attention to popularization of classical music, a shortage of qualified teachers, and the aesthetics of training, have been cited as reasons for such problems. The results of the study indicate that college piano programs need to emphasize educational activities that contribute to the cognitive and intellectual development of students and stimulate the interest of students in classical music.
While studying the relationship between piano performance and affect, the study reveals that Western listeners' ratings of Chinese piano music are much higher than those of Chinese musicians. Similarly, the scores of nonmusicians and Western musicians in Western music were significantly higher than those of Chinese piano music. This suggests that differences in musical training and cultural background may affect the emotional responses that Western listeners experience in Chinese piano music. Further studies are needed to determine which cultural aspects contribute to the arousal of piano music.
The influence of Western music on Chinese music goes way beyond the instrument itself. Aside from Western influences, Chinese music incorporates a wide variety of instruments and playing styles. Chinese piano music often includes traditional melodies, known as qupai, that vary in ornamentation and tempo. The qupai melody also plays multiple roles in a piece of music, reflecting a variety of moods and emotions. A good example of this is the Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto, which uses the same melody to convey different emotions.
Interpretation
The influence of Western harmonies on Chinese piano music can be traced to two major composers, Carl Maria von Weber and Jean-Baptist du Halde. In 1804 they composed the Chinese Overture, a work inspired by a passage from Rousseau's Complete Dictionary of Music. Joseph-Marie Amiot brought a Chinese folk song from China to France and published it in a book. Both of these musicians are considered important figures in the development of Chinese piano music.
Many works of Chinese music are played by large orchestras and ensembles. The musicians in such ensembles incorporate elements of both Western and Chinese music styles. In addition to playing Chinese traditional instruments, they also play modern and Western instruments. Nevertheless, the resulting sounds will intrigue Western audiences. The music will also be very different from Western orchestral works. There are many examples of the fusion of Western and Chinese musical styles.
Traditional Chinese music is composed of a variety of different musical styles. Many of these works are played by large orchestras and ensembles. As a result, Chinese musicians often incorporate Western and modern musical styles into their performances. The instruments in these ensembles may be specifically designed to play Western music and made of modern materials. In addition, some of the music played by traditional ensembles may also feature non-traditional instruments, such as cymbals. The differences between Western and Chinese music will certainly intrigue Western audiences.
Despite the challenges of understanding and performing Chinese piano music, many young Chinese pianists have sought professional education in Russian music universities. Russia and China have an active collaboration in music education. The twentieth century saw the establishment of the methodological basis for professional piano education in China. Today, we can assess the prospects for professional piano education in China by considering the trends in playing technique and pedagogical approaches. It is also possible to analyze the development of Russian piano teachers in China.
The structure of this piano music piece is based on two highly contrasting elements: the first movement, in D major, is not repeated. The outer sections are composed completely. The trio section has two parts and each part is repeated. Initially, the opening section is written in A flat minor, which is followed by a slow, four-measure melody. The first part closes in C flat major, and the second half, in B major, before returning to D major for the final movement.
Chopin's Prelude No. 4 in E minor
In addition to the piano, the Chinese have many traditional instruments. Chinese music is predominantly heterophonic, meaning the melody is composed of many voices or more than one instrument. Chinese music does not use triadic four-part harmonic progressions. The sheng mouth organ, for example, produces fourths and fifths when played in a traditional fashion. The zheng zither and qin are also known for producing passages of sound with two or more pitches sounding together. The Chinese may have avoided this type of heavy musical texture by creating an instrument with less complexity.
