Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Department

School of Music

First Advisor

Ari Streisfeld

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the integration of traditional Chinese aesthetic principles with contemporary music through selected violin repertoires. It examines the rich tradition of Chinese aesthetics, emphasizing the distinctive musical styles that, despite their variations, share a common cultural foundation. The research combines a comprehensive review of classical Chinese literature, musicological analysis, exploration of pitch materials, harmonic language, and performance-based interpretation to blend and expand the technical and expressive possibilities of the violin with the essence of Chinese music. Rooted in an analysis of key traditional Chinese aesthetic concepts—he (harmony), tianren heyi (the unity of nature and humanity)—and the two major philosophical systems, Daoism and Confucianism, the study explores how these elements can be incorporated into contemporary violin compositions and performances. It further examines the violin's role within both Western and Chinese musical traditions, investigating how the instrument’s versatility can evoke traditional Chinese sounds while engaging with advanced contemporary violin techniques. Methodologically, the dissertation combines musicological analysis with practical experimentation, including a series of original violin compositions inspired by Chinese cultural themes, along with performances that demonstrate the application of these concepts. These compositions and performances are analyzed to illustrate how traditional aesthetic elements can be adapted in contemporary contexts, maintaining cultural authenticity while pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Rights

© 2025, Fan Kai-Yi Zhang

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