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Abstract
Chen Yi’s solo flute work “Memory” combines the composer’s own culture—Chinese music—with Western compositional language, making it a perfect example of cross-cultural synergies. “Memory” has become an important part of the flute repertoire and is frequently performed, including as a required piece in top competitions. This document explores Chinese musical traditions in Chen Yi's solo flute work "Memory" by comparing five classical Chinese pieces and examining how this rich cultural heritage affects the work. It is a deeply emotional piece, full of mournful feelings, as expressed in the composer’s program notes dedicated to her mentor, Professor Lin. By comparing five classical Chinese pieces, this research explores the connections between these works and “Memory.” It highlights shared human emotions such as sadness, homesickness, and tragedy, expressed through different Chinese instruments and genres, and relates them to Western flute performance techniques. The study focuses on specific flute techniques, such as ornamentations, pitch bending, vibrato, rhythm, and tempo, which mirror expressions in Chinese music. This research aims to provide performers with the necessary tools to interpret "Memory" with an understanding of its roots in traditional Chinese music, through written analysis and a lecture recital.