Jindong Cai and Sheila Melvin's Books

Beethoven in China

How the Great Composer Became an Icon in the People's Republic: Penguin Specials

By: Jindong Cai,Jindong Cai and Sheila Melvin,Sheila Melvin

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Beethoven in China

How the Great Composer Became an Icon in the People's Republic: Penguin Specials

By: Jindong Cai,Jindong Cai and Sheila Melvin,Sheila Melvin

At the turn of the twentieth century, students returning from abroad introduced Beethoven to China. The composer's perseverance in the face of adversity and his musical genius resonated in a nation searching for a way forward. Beethoven remained a durable part of Chinese life in the decades that followed, becoming an icon to intellectuals, music fans and party cadres alike, playing a role in major historical events from the May Fourth Movement to the normalisation of US-China relations. Jindong Cai, whose love for the musician began during the Cultural Revolution, and culture journalist Sheila Melvin tell the compelling story of Beethoven and the Chinese people.

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Page Count

118

Publisher

Penguin Group Australia

Published Date

ISBN 10

1760142301

ISBN 13

9781760142308

Rhapsody in Red

How Western Classical Music Became Chinese

By: Sheila Melvin,Jindong Cai

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Rhapsody in Red

How Western Classical Music Became Chinese

By: Sheila Melvin,Jindong Cai

Western classical music has become as Chinese as Peking Opera, and it has woven its way into the hearts and lives of ordinary Chinese people. This lucidly written account traces the biographies of the bold visionaries who carried out this musical merger. Rhapsody in Red is a history of classical music in China that revolves around a common theme: how Western classical music entered China, and how it became Chinese. China's oldest orchestra was founded in 1879, two years before the Boston Symphony. Since then, classical music has woven its way into the lives of ordinary Chinese people. Millions of Chinese children take piano and violin lessons every week. Yet, despite the importance of classical music in China - and of Chinese classical musicians and composers to the world - next to nothing has been written on this fascinating subject. The authors capture the events with the voice of an insider and the perspective of a Westerner, presenting new information, original research and insights into a topic that has barely been broached elsewhere. "Every chapter is as exiting as it is revealing. The book is thoroughly researched, with superb bibliography. I am ecstatic; my students will be electrified." - Clive M. Marks, Chairman, The London College of Music, Trestee, Trinity College of Music and The London Philarmonic Orchestra

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