Harmonizing Traditions: Cultural Synthesis Through Piano Adaptations of Chinese Folk Songs

Abstract. The field of processing and arrangement of folk songs has been notably captivating for composers, as it unveils unexplored possibilities through piano, introducing new tonal expressions for well-known folk tunes. This research synthesizes methods from philosophy, cultural studies, history, and musicology. The dominant creative trend among Chinese composers is the adaptation and arrangement of their national art, diversifying the portrayal of musical content and promoting the global popularity of beloved national melodies. The works in arrangements, orchestrations, and transcriptions serve adaptive, enlightening, didactic, and concert functions in Chinese culture. The classification of these genres follows the European musicological tradition, as there is no precise definition in Chinese musicology. The analysis of piano arrangements reveals an inseparable connection to national musical traditions in terms of genre, form, tonality, timbre, and rhythm. The growing interest of European composers and performers in incorporating Chinese professional music genres opens avenues for studying new relationships and assimilating expressive elements of Chinese musical language within the European music context.