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Abstract
In the beginning of the 20th century, Chinese composers were inundated with Western musical influences from sacred music, cultural exchange, and music educational influences from colleges and universities abroad. This fusion of Western and Chinese musical traditions is reflected in the music of 20th century Chinese composers, particularly in their art songs. “Chinese Classical Poetry Art Song (CCPAS) is one of the most unique art forms in existence. However, during the 1980s-1990s, the composition of CCPAS was significantly reduced because political and economic policies discouraged it. At the same time, CCPAS prompted the flourishing of other art song forms in modern China, displacing it in prominence. Nevertheless, CCPAS continues to distinguish itself as a focal point of musical development.Study of CCPAS is limited in the America, while it has not been widely introduced to musicians nor audiences, with the majority of research published in Chinese language journals. Additionally, Chinese culture has not been examined or included in American curricula, and the under-representation of Chinese composers and their works should be addressed, reflecting an inclusive perspective. Therefore, more comprehensive study is needed for it to be introduced to singers.
The methodology used in this pedagogical study is a combination of poetic, historical, analytical, diction, and technical preparation. Chinese students learn Chinese Classical Poetry from the compulsory education, and I will be drawing on that background with assistance from several texts dealing with poetic analysis and cultural symbolism. Discussion of historical context of CCPAS’s generation and development, theoretical analysis of musical examples, principles of Mandarin diction, and poetic analysis and symbolism will provide thorough concepts of CCPAS and its unique contribution to musical culture in China.
It is the intention of this study to provide a comprehensive understanding of CCPAS, and to discuss its significant characteristics coming from a Chinese perspective, i.e., blending the “new” Western concepts into a Chinese context. This study is designed to introduce CCPAS to American singers who want to expand their vocal repertoire to include literature from non-Western cultures and to provide an instructional method to vocal pedagogues who desire to include CCPAS in their teaching.