Exploring Cross-Cultural Elements, Performance Practice, and Performance Guide to China West Suite by Chen Yi
Chen Yi (b. 1953) is a Chinese American composer known for integrating Chinese music with Western contemporary techniques. The China West Suite for two pianos consists of four movements, each portraying different aspects of Chinese folk elements while blending them with Western musical idioms. This study aims to explore the fusion of Chinese and Western traditions in China West Suite, focusing on its cultural influences, structural characteristics, and performance considerations. Through an in-depth analysis, this document examines how Chen Yi incorporates folk elements, such as pentatonic scales and folk elements, into a western compositional framework. Additionally, this study provides insights into the technical and interpretative challenges of the pieces, offering practical performance guidance for pianists.This study begins with the research objective, methodology, and a review of existing literature on Chen Yi and her China West Suite for two pianos. It provides historical context, including the Chinese Cultural Revolution, music education in China, and Chen Yi's musical training in both China and the United States. Then I turn to the investigation to focus on Chen Yi's cross-cultural compositional approach, particularly her integration of Chinese folk elements with Western harmonies and textures. Afterward, a performance-centered analysis addressed interpretative challenge and stylistic nuances, followed by a discussion on collaborative learning, rhythmic coordination strategies, and practical techniques for effectively rehearsing Chen Yi's China West Suite. Through in-depth analysis, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of Chen Yi's compositional style and highlights the significance of China West Suite in the contemporary two piano repertoire
Chen Yi, China West Suites, Cross cultural compositional approach, Folk music, Fusion of Chinese and Western, Performance guide
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