Balinese influences in Benjamin Britten's 'Songs from the Chinese', Op. 58.

摘要

Benjamin Britten's compositional method often involved the adopting of pre-existing musical materials, and then adjusting, evaluating and reapplying them as necessary, thus creating a synthesis. This synthesis integrates European and Oriental musical elements, which are evident in some of his very early works, and which eventually coalesced into his own unique musical language. Britten's interest in Oriental music was stimulated when he met Colin McPhee, a Canadian composer exploring the Balinese music. Their relationship led to the production of Balinese Ceremonial Music, which includes five settings for two pianos. These transcriptions were published and recorded by them in 1940. These experiences allowed Britten the opportunity to become familiar with Balinese music. The influences of Balinese music are seen in several of his works, including the opera Peter Grimes of 1945. In 1955, Britten traveled to the Far East, and after the trip, his works show how he incorporated these Oriental elements, mainly Balinese and Japanese, into his musical style. The influence of Balinese music is clearly seen in Songs from the Chinese. The composition consists of six settings of Arthur Waley's translation from original Chinese poems. The dissertation consists of four chapters. The first briefly outlines Britten's career and examines his contacts with Oriental music. The second provides a discussion of Chinese poetry. The third pursues in some detail certain aspect of Balinese music and its influence on Britten. Finally, the fourth chapter provides analytical and interpretive discussion of the texts and music of the six songs of Songs from the Chinese.