BRIDGING CULTURES THROUGH SOUND: FIVE SELECTED FLUTE COMPOSITIONS BY CONTEMPORARY CHINESE COMPOSERS
Cheng, Peiyao
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/128301
Description
Title
BRIDGING CULTURES THROUGH SOUND: FIVE SELECTED FLUTE COMPOSITIONS BY CONTEMPORARY CHINESE COMPOSERS
Author(s)
Cheng, Peiyao
Issue Date
2025
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Taylor, Stephen
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Keeble, Jonathan
Committee Member(s)
Yeung, Ann
Gallo, Donna
Department of Study
School of Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Date of Ingest
2025-05-09T13:22:09-05:00
Keyword(s)
Flute
Chinese music
Contemporary
Analysis
Performance guide
Language
eng
Abstract
This thesis examines the works of five prominent contemporary Chinese composers—Chen Yi, Zhou Long, Liang Lei, Ye Xiaogang, and Jin Ta—highlighting their contributions to the flute repertoire through integrating Chinese traditions and modern compositional techniques.
Each composer uniquely blends cultural heritage with contemporary innovation, creating works that challenge performers and enrich the flute’s expressive potential.
Chen Yi’s Fisherman’s Song for Flute and Piano transforms traditional Chinese folk songs into a dynamic piece that bridges Chinese and Western aesthetics. Zhou Long’s Su
(Tracing Back) for Flute and Harp reimagines the guqin’s meditative essence, reflecting ancient Chinese philosophy through modern instrumentation. Liang Lei’s In Praise of Shadows explores Eastern aesthetics, blending light, shadow, and advanced flute techniques inspired by Tanizaki’s philosophical writings. Ye Xiaogang’s December Chrysanthemum offers a deeply personal narrative, combining Chinese cultural motifs with Western harmonies to convey grief and resilience. Finally, Jin Ta’s Mongol Sonata for Flute and Piano, Op.6 celebrates Mongolian
traditions through a vibrant synthesis of pentatonic modes, traditional motifs, and Western classical structures.
This study expands the flute repertoire while underscoring music’s role as a medium for cultural preservation and exchange. By examining these works, it highlights the flute’s versatility in bridging cultural divides. These compositions enhance artistic possibilities for flutists while
immersing audiences in a rich tapestry of cultural narratives and innovative expressions, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary classical music.
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