This dissertation consists of two parts: (1) a portfolio of recent works composed during my fellowship at Columbia University, including Aruah (2022) for mixed octet, String Quartet No. 2 (2021), and Clarinet Concerto (2019) for solo clarinet, orchestra, and electronics, and (2) this subsidiary essay. This written discussion centers around three pillars that form the foundation of how I presently conceive of music that incorporates both Arab and Western musical aesthetics. These pillars are organized into three chapters (1) Recontextualizing maqām, (2) “Ṭarab-ic” Harmony, and (3) Organological Transethnicism. At the end of each of chapter, I relate the discussed principles to specific moments in my own music, taken from excerpts from this dissertation’s musical portfolio. My analysis of these works through the lens of these three pillars highlights the amorphous qualities of perception across disparate cultures, and how authenticity as a spectrum, rather than as a fixture, can result in new aural experiences.

Guo, Xinxin. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-78). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese Translation) --- p.iii / Acknowledgments --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.vi / List of Figures --- p.viii / Romanization and Translation --- p.ix / Limitation of this Thesis --- p.x / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Approaching the Dolans and their Music --- p.1 / Pre-existing Research --- p.4 / Methodology and Fieldwork --- p.13 / Chapter 2. --- Becoming an “Intangible Cultural Heritage´ح：Cultural Policies of UNESCO and the Chinese Government --- p.21 / UNESCO and its Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH --- p.22 / Cultural Policies of the Chinese Government and their Implementation --- p.28 / The Central Government´ةs Call for Preserving the Culture of Ethnic Minorities --- p.31 / Transcribing Dolan Muqam --- p.37 / The Local Government´ةs Implementation of Cultural Policies --- p.42 / The Music Videos of Dolan Muqam --- p.46 / Summary --- p.49 / Chapter 3. --- Ketmen vs. Rawap: Transmission of Dolan Muqam in New Contexts --- p.50 / Performance and Farming: Changes in Life of the Older Generation --- p.51 / Learning Muqam: Career Potentials for the Younger Generations --- p.55 / Dolan Muqam Training Classes in Mekit County --- p.57 / The 13th National Young Singers TV Competition on CCTV --- p.60 / Summary --- p.68 / Chapter 4. --- Conclusion --- p.69 / Political Implications of Safeguarding the ICH --- p.69 / Old Tradition and New Transmission --- p.71 / References Cited --- p.73