From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China

From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China Isaac Stern

Adult Nonfiction DVD 782.2S

This DVD, produced by Hopewell Foundation and Thirteen/WNET, documents the first visit of a Western Musician to China following the end of the Cultural Revolution. Isaac Stern was invited by the Chinese government to tour the country, teach students, and otherwise share musical experiences with musicians in China. The original film covers Stern’s 1979 journey, brief tours of the countryside, and the teaching of master classes. Only a few minutes are spent on the impact of the Cultural Revolution on musicianship… western musical education ceased… teachers of western music were imprisoned.
This DVD also includes documentary film of Isaac Stern’s return trip to China 20 years later (2000). He comments that the musicians are playing better now, more able to express themselves individually in music; and he reiterates the importance of music in the development of a civilized society.
I would refer you to one of the extras on this DVD… the film called “The Gentleman from Shanghai”. In this 26 minute retrospective, Professor Tan’s narration of his life in music is interspersed with historical accounts of Japan’s invasion of Shanghai in 1937 and subsequent surrender in 1945, the nationalization of the orchestra in 1948, the formation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and the beginning of the Cultural Revolution in 1966. Tan speaks at some length about his imprisonment, and later, about forgiveness.
View this DVD for a look at classical music education and cultural exchange against the backdrop of 20th century Chinese history.