The Use of Folk Music Elements in Chinese Piano Solo Music

Chinese piano music has been developed over more than one hundred years. By means of unremitting efforts on the part of the composer,piano music has been successfully incorporated into Chinese music culture. Over the past century,there have been considerable developments in the styles of piano music,particularly the addition of folk music elements. Ethnic fusion,melody and structure of rhythmic elements are some of the many factors influencing contemporary styles of Chinese piano music. The development of these has given rise to the national style and charm of Chinese piano music. This paper analyses the folk music elements of some Chinese solo piano works,including research into the creative ability of music composers which has influenced and inspired the inclusion of various elements into their musical compositions.