An analysis of the selected music of Chou Wen-Chung in relation to Chinese aesthetics

The purpose of this study is to examine the possible relationships that exist between the selected works of Chou Wen-Chung and Chinese aesthetics in order to provide perspective on the influence of Chinese aesthetics on contemporary composers. The three selected compositions are "The Willows are New", "And the Fallen Petals" and "Pien."Chinese aesthetic principles that are most related to Chou Wen-Chung's music are selected and applied in the analysis. They are the basic aesthetic principles that govern the creation of the Chinese ideogram, calligraphy, qin music and I-Ching. These aesthetic principles are incorporated into the four phases of musical analysis suggested by Cogan and Escot in the Sonic Design.The research concludes that Chou Wen-Chung's music is closely related to Chinese aesthetics in concept and practice. In order to better grasp the essence of Chou Wen-Chung's music one must understand the relationships that exist between his works and the Chinese aesthetic principles.