Composer Ludwig van Beethoven's birthday -- 250 years ago this week -- has inspired an entire year of celebrations around the world, with recordings of his works, special concerts, performances and lectures.
This week brings another way to look at the life and influence of Beethoven: through the lens of China, where his works began to take root culturally around the turn of the 20th century. The music of Beethoven - and all Western composers -- were later banned for a time during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), after which Western classical music enjoyed a strong resurgence and popularity that remains through today.
"Beethoven is the most well-known western composer in China," said Jindong Cai, Director of U.S.-China Music Institute at Bard College Conservatory of Music and co-author of Beethoven in China (affiliate link). "People relate not only to his music, but to his life's story." Beethoven endured family dysfunction, an alcoholic father, a solitary existence and eventually, nearly complete deafness -- and yet he triumphed. "In Chinese society, your family tells you that you have to work hard to be successful; you have to go through difficulties ad obstacles. Beethoven's life story enhances that kind of thinking in China."