European and American ideas about Chinese culture embodied in musical works: Notes for art lessons

Abstract

The author of the article based on the analysis of theoretical materials and own musicological explorations provides some methodological recommendations to Ukrainian art teachers of how to use musical samples with Chinese themes at lessons with schoolchildren that actually constitutes the purpose of this article. It is assumed that a perspective is relevant in connection with the growing interest of artists in the art of other cultures, which is caused by their globalization and integration processes of human life in general. The multifaceted nature of the problem is noted: the study of Chinese art itself; the issue of integration of Western traditions and influences on Chinese culture and education, ways of using “Chinese” themes in the works of Western composers. The author of the article focuses on the last aspect and the possible using the “Chinese theme” in the modern Ukrainian school taking into account the content of art education. The presentation of the material is largely based on the musicological research of Chinese scholars regarding the implementation of Chinese themes in the works of artists from other countries. The examples demonstrate different approaches of composers to Orientalism in music: using storylines, citations, stylization, insight into the philosophical foundations of the Chinese worldview and artistic imagery as a basis for the universality of the composer’s thinking. The works are selected to present different ways of expressing the Chinese theme in European and American musical works covering different styles (classicism, impressionism, symbolism, electronic music, music, etc.) and representing different genres, such as: opera, opera-ballet, chamber and instrumental works, vocal lyrics, etc. In particular, the article examines K.V. Gliuk’s opera “The Chinese Woman”, M. Ravel’s opera-ballet “The Child and Charms”, instrumental music by J. Cage, A. Zahaikevych, romantic lyrics by B. Liatoshinskyi, vocal, chamber and instrumental works by M. Shukha. The article provides brief comments-recommendations for art teachers of how to use the considered works in communication with students of different ages.