The Important Element of Combining Music and Painting in Tan Dun's "Eight Memories in Watercolor" - "Synesthesia"

บทคัดย่อ

           This study examines Tan Dun's "Eight Memories in Watercolor," a seminal work that exemplifies the composer's innovative approach to blending Eastern and Western musical traditions. Tan Dun, born in Hunan, China, draws deeply from his rich cultural heritage, particularly the Xiang-Chu music tradition, to create a unique compositional style. The research aims to analyze how this piece integrates Chinese traditional folk music with Western piano techniques and explores the representation of visual elements through musical expression. Employing a comprehensive analysis of the composition's cultural context, melodic structures, and the concept of synesthesia in music, the study reveals how Tan Dun transforms visual imagery into auditory experiences. Results demonstrate that "Eight Memories in Watercolor" successfully translates the visual beauty of Hunan's landscapes into musical form, creating a distinctive fusion of auditory and visual perceptions. Each of the eight pieces functions as a vivid watercolor painting, evoking strong nostalgic sentiments and showcasing the integration of heaven, earth, and human elements central to Chinese philosophical thought. The study concludes that Tan Dun's work represents a significant contribution to contemporary classical music, effectively bridging cultural divides and expanding the expressive possibilities of piano composition through its innovative use of musical symbolism to convey visual imagery.