This essay explores the art form and cultural value behind several Pipa compositions including "Bi Chi Er" (for five-stringed pipa duo), "Kazakh Suite" (for dombra and five-stringed pipa), and "Pomegranate" (for pipa trio). The essay explains the concept and the elements of music from a compositional viewpoint.
Firstly, I sort up the related literature to find the connection between Chinese culture and Pipa music. Secondly, I play the composition and analyze different elements of music. Thirdly, I explore the artistic interpretation in the composition. Finally, I conclude that the goal of the compositions is to promote the traditional culture. The composer integrates various traditional elements in the composition and using different musical techniques to express the cultural value.
The contribution of the essay is clarifying the historical context of pipa instrumental music and makes the researchers could understand the process and accumulation of pipa culture in the future.