CHASING THE BUTTERFLY: ANALYSING THE PARALLELS OF BUTTERFLY PORTRAYAL IN EDVARD GRIEG’S SOMMERFUGL AND XIA LIANG’S CǍI DIÉ XÌ HUĀ

Abstract

Butterflies, belonging to the Rhopalocera suborder of lepidopterans, are known for their large, often brightly coloured wings that fold together when at rest and their distinctive, fluttering flight. Universally admired for their beauty, butterflies have inspired many composers to capture their essence in music. Notable compositions inspired by this natural beauty include Edvard Grieg’s Sommerfugl (Butterfly), Debussy’s Les Papillons (The Butterflies), and Xia Liang’s Cǎi dié xì huā (Colourful Butterflies Playing with Flowers). This article explores the similarities between two (2) solo piano works, Grieg’s Schmetterling and Liang’s Cǎi dié xì huā, through a detailed music analysis. By applying the programme music framework used by Kregor and Zamani, the study highlights the harmonic, rhythmic, and expressive parallels in these pieces. Despite the composers' different cultural and geographical backgrounds, their musical depictions of butterflies show striking similarities, suggesting a universal appreciation for this delicate insect. The findings of this article offer valuable insights into programme music and provide a fresh perspective on character pieces that are often overlooked. While there are other piano works often associated with butterflies, such as Chopin’s Butterfly Etude and Schumann’s Papillons it was not the composers' intention (at least consciously) to depict butterflies through these works. This analysis enhances our theoretical understanding and enriches our appreciation of how composers from diverse backgrounds can share a common artistic vision.