Beethoven in China
Subtitle: how the great composer became an icon in the People's Republic
By: Jindong Cai and Sheila Melvin
Contributors: Melvin, Sheila, author
Series: Penguin specials; China specials; Penguin special
Published: 2015
Language: eng
Number of pages: 131
ISBN-13: 9780734399526
Subjects: Influence; History and criticism; Music; European influences
Description: At the turn of the twentieth century, students returning from abroad brought 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, and 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
Table of contents: title: Jindong's preface; title: A new sage for China; title: The sound of Beethoven; title: A friend to all who struggle; title: The challenge of ideology; title: Leaning to one side; title: Dark night of the soul; title: Triumph of the spirit; title: Beethoven fever; title: Sheila's epilogue.