A new approach to applying ancient style elements to modern Chinese choral music

Abstract

When Western music was introduced to China after the feudal government collapsed, Chinese compositions utilizing Western methods increased. In 1905, Li Shutong, who first introduced Western music theory to the Chinese, composed Spring Outing, which marked the beginning of a trend of Chinese choral writing. But for a long time, Chinese choirs stayed at the level of singing in unison or rounds. Nowadays, with the establishment of numerous chamber choruses and community choruses, choral music has become one of the most popular music forms in China. In order to satisfy the increasing demand, composers began to find inspiration from Chinese traditional music or ethnic music. Thus, many different choral compositional styles were formed. This report will introduce one of the most popular styles, “ancient style”, and analyze two choral pieces in this style, in order to enhance understanding of Chinese choral music.