The poetry of prose in music

Symphonic tribute to Lu Xun seeks to capture writer's insight and enduring contribution to modern Chinese society, Chen Nan reports.

At just 17, composer Ye Xiaogang purchased the complete works of Lu Xun (1881-1936) with his first paycheck and became deeply engrossed in the writer's ideas.

Born Zhou Shuren, Lu Xun is often regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Chinese literature. This early connection to Lu Xun's writing profoundly influenced Ye's creative path, culminating in his monumental tribute to the writer, Symphony No. 5 Lu Xun.

In a fusion of Chinese literature and the Western symphonic tradition, Ye has composed a musical masterpiece that brings to life the themes and characters of Lu Xun's vast literary landscape. Released by NCPA Classics and distributed under the Wergo label by Schott Music, this symphony is a deep meditation on the writer's intellectual legacy.