Musical Change and Contunuity of Huayin

In this thesis, I use huayin (the left-hand bending techniques on the zheng) as a tool to discuss the evolution and continuity of modern zheng music. My focus is on bringing out ancient aesthetic and philosophical meanings that are embedded within traditional zheng music, and comparing these meanings to the multi-faceted cultural and social changes of the modern world. Moreover, modern zheng musicians' thoughts become my focal point while discussing the transformation of the contemporary zheng tradition. I also integrate my own reflections along with the selected interviews. By reexamining the use and transformation of the zheng tradition through the lens of the huayin, I aim to reflect the essential aesthetic and philosophical meanings in Chinese zheng musical culture, and reemphasize the value of these meanings when dealing with the ever-changing modern tradition.