Application of the Aesthetic of Guqin (古琴) for Contemporary Music Composition

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to discover the application of aesthetic approach, performing technique and playing style of Guqin for contemporary music composition. Mentioned in documents dating from two millennia, Guqin is one of the oldest Chinese solo instruments. Moreover, Guqin music often is based on senza misurato (without tempo) and it focuses on changing the colours of several notes, occasionally even a single note. This is accomplished by using an open string note stopped string note harmonic note as well as four main ornaments to achieve the poetic mood. This aesthetic is in direct contrast to western homophonic structure. These characteristic effects offer an attractive potential for their application to new compositional techniques and approach to contemporary music writing. This research will provide valuable information regarding employment of the Guqin’s philosophy for music composition

Keywords

• chinese music
• guqin
• contemporary music
• compositional techniques
• music composition
• aesthetic
• chinese art.