The Refl ection of the Timbre Characteristics of Chinese Folk Instruments in Piano Works by the Chinese Composer Chu Wanhua

Abstract

The article discusses Chinese piano music and the refl ection of the timbre features of Chinese folk instruments in it. The author of the article focuses on the work of the outstanding Chinese composer Chu Wanhua as very revealing regarding the refl ection of the timbres of Chinese folk instruments in the piano sound. In his research, the author focuses on the composer’s three piano works. As a result of the work, the researcher comes to the conclusion that the refl ection of the timbre features of Chinese folk instruments in the piano works of Chinese composers is a way to preserve and enrich the piano music of the Celestial Empire. Chu Wanhua managed to create such works for piano (fi rst of all, “My Homeland” piano concerto), in which adherence to traditions is organically combined with modern composing techniques. The composer masterfully “weaves” the achievements of Western European pianistic art into the national musical tradition, demonstrating brilliant imitation of the timbres of Chinese folk instruments and outlining the ways of development of Chinese piano art.