Abstract

The premiere of a classical specimen of Chinese chamber opera “Farewell to Cambridge,” the music to which was written by Zhou Xueshi, and the scenario – by Chen Yu, took place on December 25, 2001 at the Beijing Chamber Theater of People’s Art. This composition was called the first Chinese chamber opera, as well as the first opera produced by a private organization. Many Chinese media outlets, among which we can name the “China Youth Daily,” “Chinese Culture,” “Musical Weekly,” etc., highly evaluated this original Chinese opera. In particular, on January 7, 2001 the “Musical Weekly” with the support of the Beijing Cultural Department organized a musicological seminar connected with this composition. In the article, the author describes the peculiarities of the opera from the point of view of postmodernist ideas and techniques used in its musical composition. With the help of detailed analysis of the musical component the author examines the experimental techniques applied by composer Zhou Xueshi in order to bring in stylistic diversity to his composition. They include: the mixed structure of the opera, techniques of collage and derivation, as well as diversity in the creation of the protagonists. Keywords: the opera “Farewell to Cambridge,” postmodernism, collage, musical derivations, Chinese composers, Zhou Xueshi.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.