Research and Analysis of Works by Chih-Yuan Kuo – Folk Songs

• Main Authors: Hui-Chun Chen, 陳慧君
• Other Authors: Fan-Ling Su
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/11198649709382681065

碩士 === 國立新竹教育大學 === 人資處音樂教學碩士班 === 99 === Abstract This research paper focuses on the Southern Min folk compositions featured in two published books – ‘Taiwanese Songs by Chih-Yuan Kuo (Solo and Ensemble’ and ‘Taiwanese Songs by Chih-Yuan Kuo 2 (Solo and Ensemble)’; it does not consider the musical arrangements of the folk songs, nor the art songs in the books. It begins with a discussion of Chih-Yuan Kuo’s life, noting the diverse educational background arising from his travels between Taiwan and Japan during his studies. This discussion demonstrates how his education and sociohistorical background influenced his compositional techniques and choice of song genres. The paper then discusses the origin of Taiwanese folk songs, in particular the historical background of those composed by Chih-Yuan Kuo. Interpretations of the folk song’s libretto structures, the modes of, and relationship between, the melodies and the lyrics, are also provided. In order to demonstrate the content of Chih-Yuan Kuo’s Southern Min folk compositions, a musical analysis of his works is conducted. The Conclusion summarizes the discussion and presents the following musical and artistic characteristics of Chih-Yuan Kuo’s Southern Min folk compositions: 1. The use of traditional Chinese pentatonic scales in the compositions. 2. Emphasis on the sound and tone of the Southern Min language. 3. Coordinated mode and tonality; the integration of Oriental and Western styles to create compositions with a modern feel. 4. The compositions are very suitable material for teaching schoolchildren about folk music.