Research On The Characteristics Of "Orientalism" In Puccini's Two Operas

The elements of exotic culture in the western music have a significant impact on the creation of composers.Historically,the creation of western musicians based on non-western music cultures has been abounded,and works taking Orient as expressing objects have received extensive attention.In this type of works with oriental elements,Western composers either adopt themes from the East or quote the musical tunes from East.Both show a unique phenomenon to present the Orient in the eyes of Westerners.In a broad sense,the label “Exotica” or “Exoticism” are often used to summarize the creations that contain Oriental elements.In these musical works,you can see the mark of "Orientalism".Based on the theory of "Orientalism",this thesis elaborates and analyzes the usage of oriental elements through Puccini's two classical oriental operas Madame Butterfly and Turandot.In this way,the construction of Others' culture by the oriental exoticism contained in these works and Orientalism in musical works are discussed.This thesis includes the introduction,the main text and the conclusion.The main text divides into three chapters.The first chapter summarizes the influence of Orientalism in Western music,elaborates the theoretical sources of "Orientalism" and the background factors of its formation,and discusses the impact of exotica or exoticism on the creation of Western composers and some typical works so that narrow the scope of "Orientalism" in the representation and impact of Western musical works.The second chapter analyses the Oriental elements in Puccini's creations.After comparing the creative backgrounds of Madame Butterfly and Turandot,the author will give a comprehensive analysis of Oriental elements from script,stage setting,music style,rhythm,melody and other aspects of the two works.The third chapter will delve further into the origin and feature of "Orientalism" in the two operas and the connection between oriental and western music culture reflected in the western musical works under the thought patterns of "Orientalism" in nineteenth century.