Zheng’s Musical Functionalities and Techniques: Implementing the Chinese instrument into Western Music

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study is to provide a creative and practical guideline for western music composers when adopting the Chinese GuZheng as a performing medium. Although frequently attempted by non-Sinitic composers for the adoption into western compositions, GuZheng’s mechanic uniqueness and performance practices post contrasting challenges from the adoption of western instruments. This study summarizes these observed issues and potential solutions for these difficulties in the order of: (1) the construction of the instrument, especially as it is related to performance practice, (2) the designated performing duties of both hands, the instrument’s temperament, and the manipulation of intonation and timbre, (3) ornamental practices in both traditional and extended techniques, and (4) the viable adaptations in Zheng for performing music in polyphony, chromaticism (including scordatura) and various Western music harmonic languages are discussed through their application. A comprehensive understanding in Zheng’s construction, tradition, and performing techniques allows the western composer to create contemporary pieces that are still idiomatic in western harmonic style and contemporary sound.