The Interaction of Cello and Chinese Traditional Music

Abstract

This document concerns the interaction of the cello and Chinese traditional music with an emphasis on three major areas. An historical introduction to western music in China includes descriptions of its early appearances and development, musical education influences, and how the cello became an important instrument in China. The second section is a discussion of techniques of western music and Chinese traditional music as used by Chinese composers, who write works in both styles separately and in admixtures of the two. The third section is a description of four Chinese works that include cello: “《二泉印月》” (Reflection of Moon in Er-Quan Spring), “《川腔》” (The Voice of Chuan), “《渔舟唱晚》” (The Melodies of the Fishing Night), and “《对话集I》” (Dialogue I). Analysis of these four works helps show how the cello has been assimilated into Chinese traditional music in both solo and ensemble fields, with specific looks at incorporating traditional performing techniques on the cello, the imitation of programmatic themes and aspects of Chinese culture in such works, and complex issues concerning aspects of performance. The purpose of this document is to help introduce Chinese traditional music to western ears and further my interest in combining western music and traditional Chinese music, perhaps helping an interesting musical synthesis to emerge.