Reminiscing Crashing Waves and Romanticism in Zhao Xiaosheng’s Fisherman Song

Abstract

Fisherman Song or Yuge (1975) is one of Zhao Xiaosheng’s solo piano compositions that was composed during Cultural Revolution in China. It expresses the composer’s experience after following the fishermen taking their vessels to the sea, including his realization of the insignificance of humans against nature. Based on the analysis of the structure, tonality, harmony, melody and tempo, the compositional character that combines elements of the West and East is presented by virtue of neo-romantic aesthetic, composing techniques, and application of pentatonic elements and Chinese work song. Score analysis and an interview with the composer provided details on the understandings of Fisherman Song as a new solo piano work during the period of Cultural Revolution.