| Summary: | This dissertation is intended to contribute to the ongoing study of three selected piano
pieces written by the contemporary Chinese American composer Chen Yi. These three works
Duo Ye (1984), Ba Ban (1999), and Ji-Dong-Nuo (2005)respectively represent her early,
middle, and recent periods. Also, they show Chens diverse and sophisticated compositional
style as it evolved from her conservatory years to her current position as a mature and successful
composer.
The written portion consists of six chapters. The first chapter will provide the historical
background information on the dramatic changes in musical trends in China during the second
half of the twentieth century. These historical changes brought Chen more in touch with folk
music and gave her a deeper appreciation for it. A sketch of Chens life is presented in chapter
two. Relevant biographical details will highlight the composers conservatory training that
exposed her, in particular, to Bartόk, thereby shaping her own pianistic and compositional style.
The individual analysis and interpretation of the three selected piano compositions will be
presented in chapters three through five. These chapters will show how she has adapted the
essence of Chinese folk tunes to her work. At the same time, her use of Western contemporary
compositional techniques in the three pieces will be discussed. The last chapter sums up and
organizes each chapters results.
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