Chinese Aesthetics and Performance Practice in Three Works for Piano by Chen Yi: Tunes from My Home, Northern Scenes, and Four Spirits

Author

Cong Ji, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

D.M.A.

Program

Music

Advisor

Janette Tilley

Committee Members

Joseph Straus

Ursula Oppens

Jeff Nichols

Subject Categories

Music Performance | Music Practice

Keywords

Chen Yi, piano trio, piano solo, piano concerto, women composer, Chinese-American composer

Abstract

This dissertation provides both analyses and performance practice suggestions on the three selected works that include piano by Chinese-American composer Chen Yi (b. 1953): Tunes from My Home, Northern Scenes, and Four Spirits. The author takes a step beyond Chen Yi’s widely identified “fusion style” of Chinese and Western music, to explore her cultural roots and how she blends Chinese music, arts, aesthetics, philosophy, and mythology with her musical language and imagination on a deeper level.

As a performer and pedagogue, I believe that it is important not only to analyze Chen Yi’s music from the perspectives of the construction of the work, but also to suggest performance practice and technical related issues. It is equally important to know cultural contexts and aesthetics, which benefit both scholars and performers.

Recommended Citation

Ji, Cong, "Chinese Aesthetics and Performance Practice in Three Works for Piano by Chen Yi: Tunes from My Home, Northern Scenes, and Four Spirits" (2020). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3582