Transcultural Dialogue of Poetry and Music: Symbolization of Classical Imagery in the Vocal Performance of the Art Song Feng Qiu Huang

Abstract

This paper examines the art song Feng Qiu Huang by Li Yan, focusing on the symbolization of classical imagery within its musical and performance dimensions. The study analyzes the cultural connotations of the phoenix and related images, the structural design of the song, and the fusion of Chinese and Western musical languages. By exploring the song’s use of the Pentatonic D Yu Mode, its employment of altered tones, and its organization in simple binary form, the paper highlights the work’s unique blending of tradition and modernity. Further attention is given to the interpretive demands placed on vocalists, including timbral choices, diction in Mandarin Chinese, and stage practice. The research demonstrates how classical imagery functions as both a cultural symbol and an expressive resource, enabling Feng Qiu Huang to achieve transcultural resonance. Ultimately, the study argues that the song exemplifies the revival and reinterpretation of classical Chinese imagery in contemporary art song, affirming its enduring artistic and cultural significance.