Date of Graduation
2000
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
As the first contemporary Chinese composer recognized by the Western musical world, Chou Wen-Chung is widely acknowledged for his innovations and contributions to the profession. His music is a successful fusion of Eastern and Western musical language, and it has continued to receive critical acclaim. Cursive (1963), a duet for flute and piano, is one of Chou's most important compositions. In this work, the composer tries to express the aesthetic principles of Chinese calligraphy musically. This thesis provides a thorough analysis of the musical materials and compositional techniques employed in Cursive, and based on this analysis, the author attempts to illustrate the compatible elements of Western and Chinese musics contained in the work. The author also highlights how certain musical features of the work are related to Chinese calligraphy. Although Chou has enjoyed success as a composer for about a half century, serious scholarly studies of his music were not done till the last decade. It is hoped that this study will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Chou's musical creation.
Recommended Citation
He, Jian-Jun, "Chou Wen -Chung's “Cursiveâ€." (2000). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 9012.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/9012