A Musical Legacy
Jul 27, 2013 10:09:25 GMT -5
Post by douglaslam on Jul 27, 2013 10:09:25 GMT -5
Isaac Stern was one of 20th. century's great violinists, a virtuoso even, a title conferred only to musicians of exceptional standing. He had a stellar career spanning many decades as a concert and recording artist.
There was another side to Isaac Stern; he was a fervent, passionate and dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. The renowned cellist Yo-yo Ma was one of many talents discovered by him. I think Isaac Stern was also a prime mover in preserving the iconic Carnegie's Hall in New York as a major performing art centre. He lived a full and productive life, one which enriched and touched so many lives.
What you are about to see is a movie-length Academy Award winning documentary made in 1979 when Isaac Stern and his party made a groundbreaking visit to China.
Please allow yourself enough time to see it through because it is very entertaining. Things you are going to see are not likely to be repeated because the China now is very different to the one when Mr. Stern documented his visit thirty-four years ago.
A little background to the timing of his visit. 1979 was just three years after the Cultural Revolution ran its catastrophic course. It was also three years since Mao's death, and the subsequent smash of the so-called Gang of Four. China was slowly opening its doors to the outside world. The paramount leader Deng Xiaoping did much to repudiate what Mao had stood for. The people were hungry to know about the outside world, and the world was beating a path to China's door.
Western music which was reviled, denounced, and banned was slowly making a revival. It is nothing short of astounding to see the reception Isaac Stern and his party received during that eventful visit all those years ago. Music lovers, who hadn't dare to show their passion, were now making it known. Every rehearsal and master class was filled by appreciative audiences.
I am deeply moved by the documentary, seeing the eagerness of those who were so determined to pursuit their life passion in music under very difficult circumstances. There are also many lighter moments which give me a good belly-laugh. In the opening minutes, and as the film progresses, listen to the Chinese background music. It'd change your perception of what Chinese music is. Watch the segment on the Peking opera training school. It is an eye opener. Pay particular attention at 56'47" , you'll see a young boy playing the cello. This young boy is now a seasoned international performer. The link here is an interview he did during a recent concert tour in Australia. I think the same young boy also appeared in the closing credits of the film.
www.abc.net.au/classic/content/2013/06/30/3790257.htm#gallery
Needless to say, I have seen the documentary more than once, and enjoyed it each time. It is as I said, very entertaining, full of variety, and in parts a very moving experience. If you have never visited China, you 'd also get glimpses of the country before the mad rush for development had destroyed much of its charm and character. Enjoy.
There was another side to Isaac Stern; he was a fervent, passionate and dedicated teacher and mentor to young musicians. The renowned cellist Yo-yo Ma was one of many talents discovered by him. I think Isaac Stern was also a prime mover in preserving the iconic Carnegie's Hall in New York as a major performing art centre. He lived a full and productive life, one which enriched and touched so many lives.
What you are about to see is a movie-length Academy Award winning documentary made in 1979 when Isaac Stern and his party made a groundbreaking visit to China.
Please allow yourself enough time to see it through because it is very entertaining. Things you are going to see are not likely to be repeated because the China now is very different to the one when Mr. Stern documented his visit thirty-four years ago.
A little background to the timing of his visit. 1979 was just three years after the Cultural Revolution ran its catastrophic course. It was also three years since Mao's death, and the subsequent smash of the so-called Gang of Four. China was slowly opening its doors to the outside world. The paramount leader Deng Xiaoping did much to repudiate what Mao had stood for. The people were hungry to know about the outside world, and the world was beating a path to China's door.
Western music which was reviled, denounced, and banned was slowly making a revival. It is nothing short of astounding to see the reception Isaac Stern and his party received during that eventful visit all those years ago. Music lovers, who hadn't dare to show their passion, were now making it known. Every rehearsal and master class was filled by appreciative audiences.
I am deeply moved by the documentary, seeing the eagerness of those who were so determined to pursuit their life passion in music under very difficult circumstances. There are also many lighter moments which give me a good belly-laugh. In the opening minutes, and as the film progresses, listen to the Chinese background music. It'd change your perception of what Chinese music is. Watch the segment on the Peking opera training school. It is an eye opener. Pay particular attention at 56'47" , you'll see a young boy playing the cello. This young boy is now a seasoned international performer. The link here is an interview he did during a recent concert tour in Australia. I think the same young boy also appeared in the closing credits of the film.
www.abc.net.au/classic/content/2013/06/30/3790257.htm#gallery
Needless to say, I have seen the documentary more than once, and enjoyed it each time. It is as I said, very entertaining, full of variety, and in parts a very moving experience. If you have never visited China, you 'd also get glimpses of the country before the mad rush for development had destroyed much of its charm and character. Enjoy.
