A Conductor’s Analysis of Mongol Shatar by Se Enkhbayar

Abstract

As one of the first Chinese composers to publish choral works in the United States, Se Enkhbayar (b. 1956) stands as a towering figure in Chinese choral music. His works are heavily influenced by folk songs and have a strong ethnic color. Mongol Shatar (Mongolian Chess) is a three-movement choral tone poem for SATB choir with divisi, tenor and bass soloists, and Guzheng (a plucked instrument) that Se Enkhbayar composed in 2002. In this composition, Se Enkhbayar uses the game of Mongolian chess as an analogy for life. In studying and performing this work, scholars and conductors can benefit from historical, musical and cultural context, including regarding the features and particular techniques of traditional Mongolian music, especially folk music; biographical information about and compositional characteristics of the composer; and information about the game of Mongolian chess. In addition, I have provided a musical analysis of the work, an English translation of the Mongolian text, and performance practice information about the traditional Khöömei and Kargyraa music featured in the work.