Innovative Expression and Cultural Inheritance in Youth Creation of Long March-themed Music: A Case Study of Caoxie (Straw Sandals)

Abstract

This study focuses on the song Caoxie (Straw Sandals), a work created during the training program for young creative talents in Long March-themed music creation. Taking this work as the research subject, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of its creative ideas across dimensions including thematic presentation, technical innovation, artistic processing, and cultural implication. Through an in-depth interpretation of the inherent meaning of the lyrics, this paper reveals how the work presents the profound bond between the army and civilians during the Long March from a novel perspective. It further analyzes the breakthroughs in musical techniques, such as key links including melody arrangement and rhythm control. It also elaborates on the design of artistic processing, covering the selection of singing style and the expression of emotional progression, as well as exploring the rich cultural symbolic connotation embedded in the work. In addition, this paper reflects on how young creators can balance historical authenticity and artistic expression, as well as the traditional spiritual core and contemporary aesthetic orientation. This research aims to provide actionable practical experience for the young creative group in the field of Long March-themed music, offer valuable references for young practitioners participating in related creation, and further promote the inheritance and development of red culture in contemporary music creation.