A Description and Evaluation of Piano Works by Three Taiwanese Composers of the Twentieth Century: Tyzen Hsiao, Shui-Long Ma, and Gordon Shi-Wen Chin D.M.A Document Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Musical Arts in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Wei-Yi Sun Graduate Program in Music The Ohio State University 2020 D.M.A. Document Committee Steven Glaser, advisor Graeme Boone Jan Radzynski Copyright by Wei-Yi Sun 2020 2 Abstract Asian countries did not join the development of Classical music happening in Europe until the twentieth century; as such, how do contemporary those contemporary Asian composers introduce themselves to Western Classical music and build their reputation? What did they do to compose music that can appeal to Western music lovers while remaining true to their own traditions? These questions will be addressed in this document by using three Taiwanese composers as examples. Although Taiwan is only a small island country in Asia, it is highly developed, both economically and culturally. The Taiwanese people have been educated in and enjoyed Classical music and many fine musicians have been cultivated in this society. Among those musicians are three Taiwanese composers that will be introduced in this document: Tyzen Hsiao(蕭泰然), Shui-Long Ma(馬水龍) and Gordon Shi-Wen Chin(金希文). Their musicianship and contributions to music in Taiwan are significant. Many of their compositions are considered masterpieces by those who know of their work; however, they need greater attention from today’s musicians. Contemporary composers need performers who are willing to learn different repertoire by new and less well-known composers. As is the case of many contemporary composers, works by these three Taiwanese composers have often been ignored by performers outside Taiwan. Therefore, it is my hope that this research will attract more ii opportunities for performances of wonderful pieces so they will become better known by today’s public. This document will start with an introduction about the background of music in Taiwan, followed by three chapters; each of them includes the composer’s biography and an analysis of this piano works. Following these three chapters, there will be a chapter comparing their works. The document concludes with an evaluation of their compositions. iii Dedication To my dearest parents, without whose endless support and love, I could not be here today. iv Acknowledgments First, I would like to express great gratitude to my advisor, Professor Steven Glaser. In my four years of DMA study, he supported and guided me with his passion and intelligence. Many times, I walked into his studio for a lesson without enthusiasm but came out with a new idea in music and life. He is truly a wonderful mentor and person. Besides my advisor, I would like to thank my committee members: Dr. Graeme Boone and Dr. Jan Radzinsky. I would also want to thank all my friends, wherever they are, who kept me accompanied during this tough time. Special thanks to Noah Cothern, a special friend who helped me with grammar mistakes throughout my writing. Most importantly, I want to give thanks to my family. Although far away in Taiwan, I can always feel their love and care. Every time I went back to Taiwan for the summer, I was always treated with their company and amazing food, which fueled me to be able to complete another year of challenges with success. Thank you to my mom and dad for getting the scores discussed in this document and scanning them for my use. Thank you to my sister-in-law, Felice Chang, for helping me find unpublished scores by contacting the composers’ organizations. v Vita 2010………………….……………………………Bachelor in Music, Tunghai University 2014…………………………………Master in Music, Indiana University at Bloomington 2016...............................................................Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance, Graduate Teaching Associate, The Ohio State University Fields of Study Major Field: Music vi Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Dedication .......................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgments............................................................................................................... v Vita ..................................................................................................................................... vi Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. vii List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1. Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Historical Background .............................................................................................. 1 1.1.1 Under Dutch and Spanish Rule .......................................................................... 1 1.1.2 Under the Rule of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ............................................... 3 1.1.3 Under Japanese Rule .......................................................................................... 4 1.1.4 After World War II ............................................................................................ 5 1.1.5 Becoming Democratic and Now ........................................................................ 7 1.2 Music in Taiwan ....................................................................................................... 8 1.2.1 Aboriginal music ................................................................................................ 8 1.2.2 Han music (Chinese music) ............................................................................... 9 1.2.3 Western music .................................................................................................. 11 Chapter 2. Tyzen Hsiao..................................................................................................... 15 2.1 Biography ................................................................................................................ 15 2.2 Analysis................................................................................................................... 18 2.2.1 Memories of Home ........................................................................................... 18 2.2.2 Farewell Etude, Op. 55 .................................................................................... 29 2.2.3 Poetic Echo, Op. 37, 38, and 40 ...................................................................... 35 2.2.4 Concerto in C Minor, Op. 53, for Piano and Orchestra ................................... 40 vii 2.3 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 64 Chapter 3. Shui-Long Ma ................................................................................................. 65 3.1 Biography ................................................................................................................ 65 3.2 Analysis................................................................................................................... 68 3.2.1 A Sketch of The Rainy Harbor ......................................................................... 68 3.2.2 Taiwan Suite for Piano Solo ............................................................................ 75 3.2.3 Rhapsody in Kuan Du, for Piano and Orchestra .............................................. 82 3.3 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 91 Chapter 4. Gordon Shi-Wen Chin ..................................................................................... 92 4.1 Biography ................................................................................................................ 92 4.2 Analysis................................................................................................................... 95 4.2.1 Piano Concerto No. 1 ...................................................................................... 95 4.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 116 Chapter 5. Comparison and Conclusion ......................................................................... 117 5.1 Educational Background ....................................................................................... 118 5.2 Religious Belief .................................................................................................... 118 5.3 Musical Ideas ........................................................................................................ 120 5.3.1 Form ............................................................................................................... 120 5.3.2 Chromaticism and Texture ............................................................................. 121 5.3.3 Eastern Material ............................................................................................. 122 5.4