The influence of sociocultural dynamics on contemporary Chinese piano performance and repertoire
Abstract
Contemporary piano performance in China has developed within a complex sociocultural environment shaped by both traditional Chinese musical heritage and Western classical traditions. This study investigates how sociocultural dynamics influence the performance practices, repertoire choices, and creative interpretations of contemporary Chinese pianists. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve professional Chinese piano performers with diverse levels of experience. The interview data were analysed through thematic analysis, which resulted in six key themes reflecting the role of social environment, cultural literacy, traditional Chinese aesthetics, Western musical influence, performance strategies, and sociocultural challenges encountered by pianists. The findings reveal that sociocultural contexts strongly shape piano performance by influencing musicians’ interpretive approaches, emotional expression, and repertoire development. Participants emphasized that Chinese cultural traditions such as folk melodies, pentatonic scales, operatic elements, and the concept of artistic imagery remain deeply embedded in contemporary piano performance. At the same time, Western classical traditions continue to dominate formal training and repertoire, requiring performers to develop an understanding of Western historical and stylistic contexts. While existing literature often portrays Chinese musical culture as restrictive toward creativity, the perspectives of professional pianists in this study challenge that assumption by highlighting a dynamic process of cultural fusion and artistic innovation. However, participants also identified challenges such as limited access to Western musicological resources and difficulties interpreting Western stylistic conventions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that contemporary Chinese piano performance is not merely a replication of Western traditions but a transcultural artistic practice shaped by the interaction of Chinese heritage, global musical influences, and evolving sociocultural environments.
Keywords: piano performance in China, sociocultural environment, Chinese musical culture, Western stylistic conventions, performance, composition, innovation, music, professional
For citation: Cai, L., & Liu, J. (2026). The influence of sociocultural dynamics on contemporary Chinese piano performance and repertoire. Contemporary Musicology, 10(1), 171–203. https://doi.org/10.56620/2587-9731-2026-1-171-203
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.56620/2587-9731-2026-1-171-203
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