CHU WANHUA'S COMPOSITION “THE MOON REFLECTED IN LAKE ERQUAN” IS A VIVID EXAMPLE OF A PIANO ARRANGEMENT OF A WORK FOR ERHU

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the analysis of Chu Wanhua’s piano variations “Moon Reflected in Erquan Lake” as an example of the synthesis of Western and Eastern musical traditions. It is noted that throughout the 20th century, Chinese piano music underwent processes of formation, development, prosperity, and periods of decline, closely tied to the dramatic chapters of China's history.The article highlights the work of Chu Wanhua, one of the most outstanding Chinese composers and pianists. Despite unfavorable periods in his life, he dedicated himself to music, creating a vast repertoire, predominantly for piano. Among his most significant works is “Moon Reflected in Erquan Lake”, a remarkable example of piano arrangement of a piece originally composed for the traditional Chinese instrument erhu. The composer masterfully combines pentatonicism with European harmonic techniques, giving the piece a unique timbral color.The title of the variations and the composer's musical language reveal a deep connection between natural phenomena, humanity, and national musical ideals. The analysis emphasizes Chu Wanhua’s expressive use of the piano to imitate the sound of the erhu. In particular, the application of arpeggiato techniques, imitation, and thematic call-and-response across different registers creates a multi-layered texture.Special attention is given to the analysis of the harmonic language, which is based on non-tertian chord structures, particularly quartal and quintal harmonies enriched with added seconds. This contributes to the shimmering effect of moonlight reflecting on the water’s surface. The study also examines the rhythmic organization of the piece, where dotted rhythms and syncopations play a crucial role, further approximating the piano’s sound to the timbral qualities of the erhu.The conclusion asserts that Chu Wanhua’s piano variations represent a masterful interpretation of a folk original, where Eastern sound aesthetics are harmoniously integrated with Western principles of musical form. It is noted that Chu Wanhua's unique approach to composition contributes to the popularization of Chinese piano music worldwide.