Embracing Goudiao 句鑃 and the Land of Wuyue 吴越: Cultural Voice and Historical Connections in Contemporary Music Composition

Abstract

This thesis examines the complex relationship between cultural heritage, land, and historical instruments in contemporary music composition, with a focus on the Wuyue 吴越 region in southeastern China. The study explores the potential of the goudiao 句鑃, a historical bronze struck idiophone associated with Wuyue, for creating new music that reflects the cultural voice and historical connections of the area. As a native of Wuyue, the author also actively incorporates personal cultural memory and engages with Wuyue's traditional musical languages to create a collection of new music that resonates with her as a cultural bearer. The thesis employs a combination of theoretical research, fieldwork, spectral analysis, performance, and compositional practice to investigate how the goudiao can function as both a symbol representing Wuyue's cultural identity and a source of inspiration for contemporary compositions. It also considers the roles played by emotional geography and the concept of "everywhen" in shaping the nuanced musical expressions arising from cultural heritage. From a musicological standpoint, this research contributes to the realm of goudiao research and highlights the intrinsic value of cultural heritage, history, and geographic perspectives in understanding the creative processes underlying a nuanced interpretation of musical traditions. Compositionally, the thesis establishes a model for integrating cultural heritage into contemporary compositions and illuminates the possibilities of engaging with historical instruments. Additionally, the study addresses a gap in previous studies, characterised by a lack of compositions by Wuyue composers drawing inspiration from the historical discoveries associated with Wuyue culture.