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Abstract
This project reimagines the role of the pipa and other Chinese traditional instruments in modern music. Working with producers from India, Colombia, and the United States, I created three original compositions—Mask, Fog, and Risky—each blending the pipa with different contemporary styles, including trap, reggae, and hip-hop. These works highlight how the pipa’s traditional techniques can adapt to modern rhythmic and production frameworks. Beyond recording and performance, I also arranged The Godfather Waltz into a hip-hop context, emphasizing how the pipa and ruan can function in melodic, comping, and counter-melodic roles. My composition Eclipse further explored the use of pedals and effects with both Western and Chinese instruments, laying the groundwork for integrating sound design into traditional performance. This work demonstrates the value of cross-genre experimentation and cultural exchange in expanding the artistic possibilities of Chinese instruments. It aims to inspire musicians to see tradition not as a limitation but as a foundation for innovation.
Publication Date
7-1-2025
Campus
Valencia (Spain) Campus
Keywords
Pipa; Cross-genre production; Contemporary music vs Chinese tradition
Recommended Citation
Lou, Yiwen. “Pipa Revolution: A Cross-cultural Journey of Sound and Identity.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2025. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-contemporary-performance/333.