Three Sonatas for Violin and Piano: An Examination of Taiwanese and Western Influences on the Music of Dr. Wen-Pin Hope Lee

The purpose of this project is to examine the three Sonatas for Violin and Piano by Taiwanese composer Dr. Wen-Pin Hope Lee. The inspiration for these three sonatas comes from different aspects of the culture of Taiwan, and these influences occur so naturally within the music that one can neglect the beauty of them. In daily life, people tend to ignore those simple things that occur around them, but if they just pay close attention, there are always beautiful elements that can bring small miracles to their life. Lee's sonatas are the result of his careful consideration of the beautiful elements of his own culture. Through careful examination, the author has discovered that important musical ideas can be found in the artistic expression of one's native culture. Lee adapted the musical resources of Taiwan, including Taiwanese opera and the musical culture of the aboriginal people of Taiwan. In addition, he began infusing his compositions with Western musical elements due to his studies in the United States. The result is a series of three sonatas composed in a diverse array of styles. The three Sonatas for Violin and Piano by Lee are part of the genre of duo chamber music, a collaborative art demanding strong connections between the two performers. The process of ii rehearsing complicated pieces such as these poses a challenge that a solo performer does not encounter. While it is always beneficial to explore the background of the music before performing it, a deeper understanding of the music is achieved during the rehearsal process. The author has been invited by Lee to perform these three sonatas in 2011 with three distinguished violinists and, in preparation for these performances, has already recorded the three sonatas. Such an opportunity has created an examination of the collaborative process within the music and the challenges faced by both performers. In addition to an examination of the musical influences on the composition of these works and a biography of the composer, the author will also provide a performance guide to the works in the hopes of encouraging future performances.