Chou Wen-chung

Pien (Notation)

From the program notes of Pien, composed in 1966. [continued]

Dynamics

Only 6 gradations are used. Consequently very sharp contrast (loudness discrepancy) must be achieved between the adjacent grades. The result should be of a terraced character (except in cases of crescendo and diminuendo, naturally):

ppp is used only in the percussion parts to indicate an imperceptible start of a crescendo.

Articulations

Symbol	Explanation
	very heavy accent
	heavy but short (secco)
	sharp accent (regular)
	very dry staccato
	tenuto-attack with weight but not accent
slur:	very legato — noticeable portamento preferred

Inflections

should be executed evenly with subtlety and restraint, and strictly within a semitone.

Tone Quality

Except for legato phrases, where the use of vibrato is at the player’s discretion, and wherever a slow and wide vibrato is indicated, the tone quality should always be as “thin” and “cutting” as possible, i.e., avoid the usual blend of “rich” and “diffused” quality.

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