Xieyi (写意), also known as impressionistic manner or freehand brushwork), is an interpretive and freely expressive traditional Chinese painting style that reveals one of the most important characteristics of Chinese culture, specifically in artistic expression. It is not only a concept, but also an idea carrying the essence of Chinese culture that has been inherited for thousands of years. The Xieyi style pays attention to the expression and presentation of artistic conception, it conveys the Chinese philosophy to emphasise freedom, spirituality, individuality and expressiveness. In terms of classic Chinese ink painting, Xieyi is more than a technique that features a reduction in detailed brushstrokes, that the changes in the intensity of strokes and ink create differences and variations in artistic conception and aura. In terms of music, the shifting intensity and illusion of music materials combine to create a non-visual experience that spreads and transforms the atmosphere. The nuanced changing approaches are frequently applied to the narrative and development of many ancient Chinese music works, which formed a layered artistic mood. The use of artistic conception and aura expression as the foundation of creative techniques in Contemporary Chinese music—what we termed as “Xieyi Technique”—is a manifestation of the organic integration between contemporary music context and traditional Chinese temperament. Based on Xieyi techniques, this lecture will share representative contemporary Chinese music works to international audiences, striving to explore and discuss the narrative, development, and other writing approaches in Chinese Contemporary creation from different perspectives.

Tao Mo (pen name Tao Yimo in music compositions) is a composer and music educator. He is the current Vice President and Professor of Xinghai Conservatory of Music; and Founder of higher education in music and technology, film and television music, jazz, and modern instrumental music in Southern China. Tao Mo’s music works are continuously performed worldwide and have been widely recognised by the industry on his unique application combining Chinese Xieyi thinking and romantic style. His works were selected for The Initial Batch of Chinese Symphony Music Creation Plan entitled "Symphony of the Times" by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China; and for the China National Art Foundation project. Tao is also appointed as a committee member of the Teaching Guidance Committee for Drama and Film and Television Studies in Higher Education Institutions under the Ministry of Education of China; Director of the Teaching Guidance Committee for Drama and Film and Television Studies in Guangdong Province China; many other reviewers, and one of The First Batch Leaders in The Emerging Characteristic Discipline "Music and Technology" in Guangdong Province China.

(Translation: Ming Yue)

Music Research Seminars 2023-24
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