A Review of Research on the Effects of Piano Performance Styles on Emotional Perception and Narrative Imagination

Abstract

Background and Aims: Piano performance is an interpretive process, and expression parameters shape the listener's emotional experience and construct meaning. This review summarizes the research results on the relationship between performance styles and emotional perception and narrative imagination, and also identifies key trends and gaps. Methodology: Narratively integrate the review. Use WOS, Scopus, GS, CNKI, ProQuest, etc. First, screen the relevance of the research and the clarity of the methods. Then, carry out a comprehensive analysis through theme analysis. Results: Evidence shows that the performance style has an impact on narrative imagination through the mechanism of emotion. The experimental clues guide the richness of images, the coherence of plots, and the sense of immersion, and individual and cultural factors play a moderating role in these associations. Most studies rely on self-reports for measurement and lack multimodal evidence. Conclusion: An interdisciplinary framework is proposed linking expressive performance, emotional perception, and narrative meaning. Future research should strengthen multimethod measurement and cross-cultural validation to improve ecological and applied value.