The Belt and Road was born with him: Xian Xinghai, composer of the resistance

Ersoy İrşi

Xian Xinghai, a prominent figure in modern Chinese music, stood as a pioneer of artistic resistance, initially against the Japanese occupation in China and later in the Soviet Union against Nazi attacks. The life of Xian Xinghai, who passed away 78 years ago today at the age of 40, served as an inspiration for the Belt and Road project. Notably, Xi Jinping, the leader of the People’s Republic of China, made reference to Xian Xinghai in his 2013 speech in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where he unveiled the Belt and Road project.

Xian Xinghai holds the esteemed title of People’s Artist of China, a testament to his remarkable contributions to modern Chinese music. He was a prolific composer, creating two symphonies, a violin concerto, four significant choral compositions, approximately 300 songs, and an opera. Additionally, Xian authored numerous articles on music theory, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Xian Xinghai, a Macau native, hailed from a humble seafaring family, facing the hardships of life from the very beginning. Tragically, his father passed away before his birth, casting a shadow of adversity over his childhood. However, amidst the challenges, his mother, a keen observer of his remarkable musical talent, emerged as an unwavering pillar of support in his life. This enduring bond with his mother and their shared struggles found its way onto the silver screen. In 2009, the film ‘Xinghai’, directed by Qiankuan Li and Xiao Guiyun, beautifully illuminated the profound experiences that Xian and his mother endured during this trying period.

THE FIRST CHINESE IN SENIOR CLASS

Xian Xinghai embarked on his musical journey in 1918 when he commenced his clarinet studies at the YMCA charity school, affiliated with Lingnan University in Guangzhou (Canton). His passion for music continued to evolve, leading him to enroll at Peking University’s National Institute of Music in 1926, where he delved into the intricacies of the art. In 1928, Xian Xinghai’s musical odyssey took him to the Shanghai National Conservatory of Music, where he fervently explored the realms of both violin and piano. During this transformative year, he also achieved recognition by publishing his influential essay, ‘The Universal Music’. In 1929, the support of the government propelled him to Paris, a city of artistic splendor, where he crossed paths with Ma Sicong. Under Ma Sicong’s guidance, he was introduced to a vibrant community of artists. Two years later, a remarkable milestone in his career unfolded as he secured admission to the prestigious Paris Conservatoire. There, he honed his compositional skills under the tutelage of renowned masters Vincent D’Indy and Paul Dukas, marking a historic moment as the first Chinese student to join the senior composition class at the Paris Academy of Music. During this period of intense creativity and growth, Xian Xinghai produced an array of exquisite works, including ‘Wind’, ‘Song of a Traveler’, and the ‘Violin Sonata in D Minor’.

THE SYMBOL OF CHINA’S RISE: THE YELLOW RIVER CANTATA

For Xian, music served as a powerful instrument in the revolutionary struggle, driven by his unwavering determination to uplift his country. In the summer of 1935, he made a resolute decision to return to China from Paris, putting his talents to work in the service of his nation. Amid the turbulent backdrop of the Sino-Japanese War, Xian Xinghai composed vocal works that served as rallying cries, inspiring the populace to resist the Japanese occupiers. Some of his notable works during this period included ‘Saving the Nation’, ‘Not Resisting the One Fear’, ‘Song of the One Fear’, and ‘Roads’, each of which contributed to the collective spirit and resilience of the Chinese people during a challenging chapter in their history.

In 1938, Xian Xinghai assumed the position of dean at the Music Department of the Lu Xun Art Institute in Yan’an, a pivotal moment in his career. Surprisingly, even though there wasn’t a single piano to be found in Yan’an at the time, Xian’s creative spirit remained undeterred. It was in this unlikely setting that he reached the zenith of his artistic expression. During his time in Yan’an, Xian Xinghai composed some of his most significant and enduring works. Notably, the ‘Yellow River Cantata’, crafted in 1939, emerged as the crown jewel of his portfolio. This seven-movement cantata, with a compelling legend that it was written by Guang Weiran in a cave in just six days during the resistance to the Japanese occupation, transcended the realm of music to become an enduring symbol of China’s unwavering spirit, defiance, and its determined ascent in the face of adversity.

RESISTANCE TO FASCISM CONCERTS WITH BAIIKKADAMOV

Xian Xinghai’s journey during the tumultuous years of World War II and his experiences in the Soviet Union highlight his unwavering commitment to resistance and the expression of his passion through music. In 1940, he ventured to the Soviet Union to compose music for the documentary film ‘Xian, Yenan, and the Eighth Road Army’. His departure from China was marked by a dinner invitation from none other than Mao Zedong, signifying the recognition of his significant role. While in the Soviet Union, as Nazi attacks intensified, Xian faced immense challenges. In 1941, his attempt to return to China via Xinjiang was thwarted by the anti-communist warlord Sheng Shicai, leaving him stranded in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan. Despite the adversity and homesickness, Xian clung to his determination to resist fascism and provide encouragement to those engaged in the struggle. His connection with a local family in Alma Ata, particularly a little girl and her mother, sustained him through difficult times. During this period, Xian composed impactful symphonies like ‘Liberation of the Nation’, ‘Sacred War’, and suites such as ‘Red All Over the River’ and ‘Chinese Rhapsody’. Collaborating with his Kazakh musician friend Bakhytzhan Baiikkadamov, they performed numerous concerts in the Soviet Union, spreading their message of resistance and hope. Today, two boulevards in Almaty are named after Baiikkadamov and Xian Xinghai, honoring their contributions. Visitors to Baiikkadamov’s former home can also discover Xian’s heartfelt letters to his daughter in China, which, although never mailed, stand as a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to the cause of resisting fascism through the power of music.

Xian Xinghai’s dedication to his music and the resistance against fascism took a toll on his health. Stricken by overwork and malnutrition, he contracted pulmonary tuberculosis while in Xian, China. In an effort to seek treatment, he traveled to Moscow, but tragically, his battle with the illness ended on October 30, 1945, when he was only 40 years old. Xian’s legacy transcends the boundaries of time and place, as he became immortalized as a symbol of unwavering resistance against fascism, occupation, and exploitation. His music and his story continue to inspire and remind us of the resilience and indomitable spirit of those who stood up against oppression during challenging times.

‘FIRST TIME I HEARD IT FROM XI JINPING’

Xian’s experiences in the Soviet Union found their way onto the silver screen through the film ‘The Composer’. Directed by Xierzhati Yahefu, a prominent figure in Chinese cinema, the screenplay was crafted by Zhang Suisui and Hajxia Tabazhek. The film’s impactful music was composed by South Korean artist Lee Dong June. The cast of the film included Hu Jun, Yuan Quan, Berik Aitzhanov, and Aruzhan Jazilbekova, among others, forming a stellar ensemble. This cinematic masterpiece earned recognition by receiving the Special Jury Prize at the Shanghai Film Festival. ‘The Composer’ made its Turkish debut at the Bosphorus Film Festival in 2019. Following the screening, an interview was conducted with Jonathan Shen, the film’s producer. In the interview, Jonathan Shen shared the genesis of the film, stating, “In 2013, Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping made a speech in Kazakhstan where he first announced the Belt and Road project. In this speech, he mentioned the composer. I heard this story for the first time there, and then I started to research it. I was very interested in this story because I had made a five-part documentary on Kazakhstan before I heard this story. Then I asked my friends in Kazakhstan about this story, and they said they knew it too. Then I went to Astana and met the real owners of the stepdaughter and mother characters in the film. People of our age grew up listening to the composer’s music.” The film thus became a medium to bring Xian’s remarkable story to a wider audience, paying tribute to his enduring legacy in the world of music and resistance.

Xian Xinghai’s story, marked by resilience and a commitment to the shared struggle for freedom, has not only left a lasting impact on the world of music but has also served as a profound source of inspiration for one of the most significant projects of our time. In 2013, Xi Jinping, the leader of the People’s Republic of China, chose the historic setting of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, to unveil the ambitious Belt and Road project. In this momentous occasion, standing before the memory of the composer, Xian Xinghai, who had forged a profound connection with the nations that defended their homelands many years ago, Xi Jinping articulated a vision of nations uniting for the common good. The Belt and Road project, with its emphasis on collaboration and mutual development, signifies not only economic progress but also a step towards advancing humanity. Xian’s enduring legacy and his spirit of unity continue to resonate, inspiring leaders and nations to work together for a brighter and more interconnected future.