An Analysis and Performance Guide of Chinese Representative Viola Works by Qingwu Guan, Nian Liu, and Bright Sheng

Abstract

This document delves into five Chinese representative viola pieces: The Sound of the Mongolian Grassland (Caoyuan Zhige 草原之歌) by Qingwu Guan , First Suite for Solo Viola by Nian Liu, and Three Chinese Love Songs, Angel Fire Duo, and The Stream Flows by Bright Sheng. These works contain numerous uniquely Chinese musical elements including pitch collections, folk song melodies, viola performance techniques. By incorporating such Chinese elements and folk melodies into their compositions, these composers have bridged cultural gaps between China and Western countries, thereby instilling a deeper appreciation of Chinese musical heritage on a global scale. Their shared contributions to the incorporation of Chinese compositional elements into viola music has helped to foster the development of Chinese viola repertoire.