“Yellow River Cantata,” a musical work that has served as a rallying cry for the Chinese people ever since its creation under the noses of Japanese invaders in 1939, was composed by Xian Xinghai. Now, a new opera about Xian’s life has been staged in Beijing.
Xian Xinghai
This story of a fisherman's son who would go on to inspire generations of Chinese people has been told many times, but this is the first time it has been told in the form of an opera.
This opera is also the origin story of Xian's most representative work, "The Yellow River Cantata." He composed it in a cave in just six days during China's war of resistance against Japanese invasion.
With its soaring melodies and unconstrained spirit, the seven-movement cantata uses traditional folk motifs, including the Yellow River, as symbols of Chinese defiance.
Now, this staging by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater has come to the Tianqiao Theater in Beijing.
Besides "Yellow River Cantata," Xian composed a lot of vocal scores to encourage his compatriots.
Xian was a pioneer in modern Chinese music. He was one of the first Chinese composers to draw on Western classical music, and he would also influence subsequent generations of Chinese musicians. In all, he composed more than 300 pieces in all major musical forms, including symphony, concerto, choral works, songs, and opera.
To the Chinese, he is known as the "People's Musician."
