A Study Guide of the Taiwanese Composer, Nan-Chang Chien, and his 'Four Aboriginal Lieder for Soprano and Orchestra'

Beginning in the middle of the twentieth century, Taiwanese musicians began to preserve the musical culture of the Taiwanese aboriginal tribes. A few composers started to arrange music based on aboriginal music and more and more pieces have been composed throughout the years; Nan-Chang Chien is one of the pioneer composers. Although Taiwanese musicians have begun composing and performing these works, few studies have been done which has left this music still mostly unknown to the world. This document aims to contribute to the study of Taiwanese composers by offering an introductory study guide for the Taiwanese composer, Nan-Chang Chien, and for his unpublished work, Four Aboriginal Lieder for Soprano and Orchestra. This study begins with a discussion of Taiwanese music history. It includes a brief investigation of the colonial history in Taiwan beginning in the seventeenth century and colonialism's effect on the musical culture. Furthermore, it seeks to describe some of the different characteristics and influences in Taiwanese music that have been influenced by Taiwanese aboriginal music, traditional Chinese music, and western music. The document then continues with a brief study of the life and work of Nan-Chang Chien. Finally, the document concludes with a thorough analysis and interpretation of the Four Aboriginal Lieder for Soprano and Orchestra, and interviews with the musicians who premiered this set of songs. A list of Nan-Chang Chien's compositions, a chronological discography, and vita have been included as appendices for the purpose of providing more information on the composer.