The dissertation is devoted to the study of interpretations of European chamber vocal music in the context of cross-cultural interaction of Chinese performance with the artistic traditions of the West. The relevance of the dissertation’s topic is due to the lack of study of the work of famous modern Chinese singers, that represent several performing schools and traditions (Chinese, European, American), as well as the European component of their repertoire as an important factor in the academization of Chinese chamber vocal art.
The scientific novelty of the thesis lies in the fact that it is for the first time: presented the chamber-vocal performance of modern China as a holistic phenomenon based on the interaction of national and foreign cultural factors; systematized data o’ver the creativity of modern Chinese singers, that represent various directions in the field of Chinese chamber and vocal creativity; analysed Chinese interpretations of European chamber and vocal music of a wide historical and stylistic range (from the Renaissance to the opuses of the 20th century); was introduced to the Ukrainian musicology analysis of a number of chamber vocal pieces (romances by G. Verdi, S. Barber and D. Ligeti). Also were further developed: an algorithm for the interpretive analysis of chamber and vocal music (its was structured and added); scientific concepts related to the study of the problems of interpretation of vocal music (V. Moskalenko, O. Katrych, L. Shapovalova, I. Suhlenko).
The selected research methodology, which is based on a combination of historical, stylistic and genre methods, an interpretive approach and comparative analysis, made it possible to follow the peculiarities of the development of chamber and vocal performance in China; determine the characteristics of the performance style of Chinese singers; to investigate the peculiarities of the chamber and vocal repertoire of Chinese performers and to identify differences in the interpretations of Chinese and European musicians.
It is substantiated the influence of cross-cultural communication "East-West" on the field of chamber and vocal performance in China. It was determined that excellent performance strategies and career success are due primarily to the unique individual experience of singers whose creativity lays in the zone of intercultural interaction. A chamber vocal pieces is considered as the basis of the singer's interpretive activity, which conveys not only genre-stylistic characteristics, but also general European traditions of chamber singing, which inevitably influence on the performer practice of any national singing tradition. It is noted that the degree of stylistic conformity of the performance depends on the musician's comprehension of the traditions of European-style chamber singing, the availability of appropriate professional and language skills, international educational and performance experience. There are characterized the problems that arise in the performance of European academic music by Chinese singers such as production of vowel sounds, diction, loudness, knowledge of foreign languages, etc.
It is revealed that the process of the growth of the level of chamber-vocal culture of China at the modern stage has gradual character. It is understood as a result of the assimilation of the traditions of European vocal art in the eastern cultural environment. There are indicated different factors of cross-cultural interaction in the processes such as activity of Chinese conservatories and academies (that are considered as main centers of adaptation of the Western manner of singing); establishment and holding of regular specialized competitions and festivals; development of concert platforms in China; deepening the overseas educational and performance experience of talented Chinese singers. Such events have a positive effect on the spread of the European chamber vocal repertoire and show the growing interest Chinese people to the different cultural traditions. At the same time, it is pointed out the insufficient official financing of such events and the slow transformation of the tastes of the public.
It is noted that the history of chamber singing in China has ancient roots, although European-style chamber vocal pieces appeared in Chinese art only in the last century. The chamber-vocal style of singing existed in Chinese culture among other larger styles, genres and forms. The phenomena of chamber vocal music are very similar in European and Chinese art. It is considered as harmonious combination of poetry and music, being performed in a small separate room.
