The Significance Of Wang Jianmin's Erhu Compositions In The Development Of Erhu Art

Erhu, literally meaning "two-string barbarian instrument" and commonly known in the West as the "Chinese violin", has been existing and evolving as a form of solo art for nearly a century. Now, it ranks among one of the most representative and most expressive instruments in Chinese traditional music. The development of Erhu over the past century can be divided into four periods, namely the Early Period, the Flourishing Period, the Expansion Period and the Exploration and Innovation Period. Wang Jianmin is a leading figure of the Exploration and Innovation Period. Since 1988, he has accomplished six Erhu works (plus a dozen Guzheng works, which, too, have achieved great success). Among them are the three Erhu rhapsodies, which have been greeted with tremendous enthusiasm in the Erhu circle and even the whole traditional instrument circle of our country. Now, how well one is able to perform Wang's Erhu works has become a criterion for judging one's level of Erhu playing. Since the 1990s, Wang's Erhu works have almost always been found on the lists of repertoire for various Erhu contests both at home and abroad, for the entrance examinations of all-level music schools and musical organizations, and among the lists of works performed at all kinds of concerts. In the light of this, it is not only necessary but urgent as well for intensive study to be done on Wang's Erhu works, especially by those music schools and colleges which are taking the lead in the subject construction of Erhu. This thesis, which consists of four chapters, is an attempt in this regard. Using the three rhapsodies as examples, it analyzes and discusses, on a systematic basis, the significance of Wang's Erhu compositions in the development of Erhu Art from four aspects: the conception and music characteristics of his compositions, the characteristics of his composition techniques and style, the combination and development of his Erhu composition and playing skill, and the necessary preparations to be done to grasp his compositions and perform them well. It is hoped that this thesis may build up people's faith in Erhu, help musicians to understand and perform Wang's Erhu works better, and to promote the subject construction and development of Erhu.