A Poem Carved in Stone, a work for piano solo by Washington DC-based Chinese composer Wu Yiming was composed in Spring 2020 and is dedicated to the author of this dissertation. The piece is inspired by the poetry of Han Shan, a recluse who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). His poetry is in Chan (Zen) tradition. Wu depicts the imagery and philosophy in Han Shan's poetry through highly complex rhythms, extreme sound effects and pitches, tone clusters, and extended piano techniques. This dissertation provides practical instructions for achieving these effects and executing the unconventional techniques found in this piece, which include playing inside of the piano, various standing and sitting positions, and coordination and balance. A guide to interpret this piece is from both the composer's and the performer's perspective. Observations are drawn directly from communications and coaching received from the composer. This study briefly explores the historical and cultural context of Han Shan's poetry and discusses how Wu's use of modern western compositional devices reflects the Zen philosophy. An interview with the composer is included along with an overview of both his compositions and those of composers who influenced him. It is hoped that this dissertation will encourage pianists who are not experienced with non-traditional techniques to explore new music from living composers.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1752372 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Xie, Dongni |
| Contributors | Paul, Pamela Mia, Couturiaux, Clay, Clardy, Mary Karen |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | vi, 51 pages : illustrations, music, Text |
| Rights | Public, Xie, Dongni, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
| Relation | Recital: March 3, 2017, not yet digitized, Recital: February 20, 2018, not yet digitized, Recital: March 7, 2019, not yet digitized, Lecture recital: October 8, 2020, ark:/67531/metadc1811170 |
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