In-depth Analysis-Structural And Symbolic Significance Of "Mathematic Number 3" In Zhu Jian-Er's Musical Pieces

Zhu Jian-er is a composer with the spirit of continuous exploration in his composition of Chinese contemporary music.His pieces can be perceived as an epitome of the development of Chinese contemporary music.As well,his progressive exploration and innovation is reflective of and rooted from the tempestuous and turbulent social and political background of his era.Initiated by the analysis of the mathematic logic during composition,while based on the deep cultural essence inferred,this thesis investigates Zhu's unique interest in "the mathematic number 3",and provides in-depth insights in the implicit psychological factors associated with the tendency.The thesis conducts structural analysis on the "three-note motivation" and "kernel three sequences',and contends that they play an indispensable role in the foundation of Zhu's pieces.Specifically,such motivation and sequence are the bricks and mortars in his creations,leading the theme of the works.Traces are found in ample occasions,from song works,chamber symphonies,to orchestra works or symphonies.The "three-note motivation" is rooted from western dodecaphonic,and then combined with the Chinese folk "pentatonic scale".This presents Zhu's innovative breakthrough in making the "three-note" motivational as well as in tunes particularly,an inspiration and sublimation featured from unique social and cultural background of his time.The characteristic of "tuning the kernel three sequences" inserts vitality into his works,instead of its original plain and logical structure;and hence become an important part of Zhu's art pieces. The thesis also explores the symbolized meanings of "the mathematic number 3" in Zhu's pieces.First of all,"tuning the kernel three sequences" endows the original western version with both philosophical and even sentimental insights.During his composition of "Symphony No.3 3y" and "Symphony No.7 - sound of the nature and humanity",Zhu articulated meditation-like atmosphere in both title and structural layout,which is reflective and established on the traditional Chinese philosophical thoughts.In "Symphony No.8 -Exploration",the "kernel three sequences" is imbedded in the composer's name in Chinese spelling tune.The symbol not only runs through the entire piece,but also signifies his difficult process in exploration.Despite the independent presentation of the above-mentioned two parts,"kernel three sequences" and symbolic meaning of "the mathematic number 3" are mingled through all of Zhu's pieces,with clearly identifiable trails. The research of this thesis is positioned in analyzing composition techniques.The clue on one hand,is inspired by the achievement of our ancestors,and on the other hand incorporates implicit cultural essence on top of technical theories in an unprecedented way.In opening new perspective of in-depth understanding of Zhu Jian-er's music pieces, the thesis contributes to analysis of his composing techniques.