A MUSICAL ANALYSIS OF YUN (韵) IN GUZHENG MUSIC: THE CASE OF YU ZHOU CHANG WAN

ABSTRACT Purpose: In traditional Chinese music aesthetics, the category of Yun (韵) has always been one of the core categories. The Guzheng, as one of China’s most representative string instruments, possesses a millennium of historical sedimentation and artistic charm. Its musical aesthetics have consistently pursued the aesthetic conception of Yun throughout its development. Guzheng music art exhibits two main aesthetic forms within the category of Yun: the Qiyun Beauty (气韵美) and the Guyun Beauty (古韵美). These have played very important roles in the development of Chinese Guzheng music aesthetics. Methodology: This study takes the category of Yun as its perspective, uses the music analysis, and takes the famous Chinese Guzheng piece Yu Zhou Chang Wan (渔舟唱晚) as an example. It conducts research through the two aesthetic forms of Qiyun Beauty and Guyun Beauty, delving deeply into how they manifest within Guzheng music aesthetics. Results: Simultaneously, through textual analysis combined with Yu Zhou Chang Wan, it explores the developmental path of Guzheng music art under the influence of the Western music theoretical system. Originality: It is hoped that Guzheng music can learn from each other’s strengths, emphasize its roots, develop through inheritance, and continue within tradition.