Ten Choral Arrangements of Chinese Folk Songs Appropriate for Western Choirs

Abstract

Chinese folk songs are an important and treasured part of the cultural fabric of thecountry. They variously feature beautiful, poignant, welcoming and joyful texts and music that reflect the life, labor and love of the Chinese people. Many Chinese folk songs have universal themes, which make them appropriate for Western choirs to perform. In this study I have selected, analyzed and introduced ten choral arrangements of Chinese folk songs that are appropriate for performance by Western choirs. These folk songs feature universal themes, such as family life, love, nature and hope. Information about the folk song collectors and arrangers is included as are recommended editions and distributors. I have provided analyses of the musical features including incorporation of source materials, as well as harmony, texture, form, tempo and expressive elements. I also share both word-for-word and idiomatic English translations of the original texts, as well as historical and cultural context. Finally, I have created International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transliterations for the texts. Through this study, I hope to inspire Western choral conductors to explore and program these outstanding Chinese folk song arrangements.