Music and Culture

Qigang Chen is a famous Chinese composer, born in Shanghai in 1951 and settled in France. He is a student of the famous composer Messiaen, who was one of the major composers of the 20th century, so in many of his works, Chinese and Western music are perfectly integrated, both in the music itself and in the use of instruments. This is an article about the fusion of Chinese and Western music elements and musical instruments. Qigang Chen's Chinese music work Butterfly Loves Flowers incorporates Western music elements in both musical instruments and music, thus blending Chinese and Western music well together. I think this is both a novelty and a success in the development of Chinese music.

My scholarly research aims to analyze the Beijing opera style incorporated in the piano piece "Pi Huang," exploring its cultural and historical significance. By examining its musical elements and Chinese cultural references, I aim to provide insights for American audiences, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of this unique musical tradition.

The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate and discuss the innovative and coloristic sounds and harmonies that are characteristic of French music written in the second half of the nineteenth century.  An emphasis will be placed on and examples will be drawn directly from the chamber (small ensemble) music of the great French romantic composer Gabriel Fauré.