Abstract

The Erhu Concerto, Man Jiang Hong, was created between 1979 to 1982. It was during this time that the movement of concerto composing began to manifest itself within the history of Chinese Music development. During this period, some successful Erhu Concertos were produced, and it was a milestone in the history of Erhu Concerto composing. Topics such as historical characters, events and literature were widely used in these spectacular musical compositions. Materials from folk music were also applied. The application of these folk elements reflected the new trend of the Erhu music. Man Jiang Hong was an important work which led to this new trend. The purpose of this study was to learn more about Man Jiang Hong, and analyze the significance of Man Jiang Hong in Chinese Music history.

According to John Blacking’s theory, the study included two parts: the musical part and the extra-musical part of Man Jiang Hong. As for the part of the extra-musical study, the research methods included interviews with the composer, He Bin, and the Erhu performer, Xiao Bai Yong, as well as a literature review. The aim was to investigate the background, the creative motivation of the composition and the special relationship between the composer and the performer. As for the part of the musical study, the research tried to analyze the musical theory as well as the musical structure. This research tried to place Man Jiang Hong in 3 categories: the special features of the musical creation, the function of the central topic and the specific features of Chinese theater music. What is quite fascinating is the influence these 3 categories had on one another. It was anticipated that through this comprehensive analysis, the significance of Man Jiang Hong could be further realized.

In the history of Chinese music development, Man Jiang Hong applied topics, which the ordinary public were familiar with, a melody that was popular, and the musical features of Chinese theater music which the ordinary public were also acquainted with. Man Jiang Hong was performed by an erhu as well as a large Chinese orchestra. The way in which it was performed, expressed the characteristics and the functions of this special form of music. Man Jiang Hong expressed the spirit of the Chinese people through its content, stirred people’s emotions with the music and established its art value in Chinese Music.