Li Zi-Li and His Viola Concerto: Musical Analysis and a Study of Performance Interpretation

Abstract

This research document intends to examine the Viola Concerto No. 1 by Li Zi-Li in depth and offers musical analysis as well as interpretations and suggestions for how to perform this work. Compared to Western viola repertoire, Chinese viola repertoire is much less studied and performed by violists. Currently, Chinese-born composers who write music for Western musical instruments are very few, but they are pioneers who have established the foundation of Chinese viola music. They combine Chinese folk style and Western compositional techniques to help promote Chinese folk styles to audiences around the world. Li, for example, incorporates Chinese musical and stylistic elements into this work using Western musical conventions as a unique way for violists to promote the main genres and styles of Inner Mongolian music. With the help of Li’s viola concerto, violists can widen audiences for Chinese viola music, and encourage Chinese composers to compose more viola works in this genre and style.