Traditional musical instrument resonates cultural depth of Wuxi

The picture shows how erhu, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, is crafted. [Photo by Xu Wei/for China Daily]

Renowned Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa counts himself as one of them. In 1978, Ozawa was invited to serve as the conductor at the China National Symphony Orchestra. He was then asked to lead a string ensemble based on Moon Reflected on Second Spring.

Ozawa later said he was deeply touched by the "pathos of the piece" according to Japanese media reports.

"Bursting into tears, Ozawa said 'one should kneel down to listen (to the music)'" Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported.

The piece soon became a classic on the international stage of music.

Wuxi artists have also played a major role in promoting its musical heritage to the world.

In 2008, erhu master player Hu Jiandong staged a solo concert in Vienna featuring local masterpieces. The event contributed to the understanding of Chinese music among Western audiences. Hu is also the "image ambassador" for Meicuns erhu production and performing industries.

Meicun continues to be the hub of Wuxi's erhu performing arts. Since 2011, the town has been the permanent host of China's top－level erhu performing event. In 2012, the Erhu Culture Park, a facility for erhu production, performing, training and related cultural activities, was launched in the town.

In 2018, a month-long series of events, including concerts and erhu competitions, was hosted in Wuxi in memory of Ah Bing. He had lived in the old downtown area and earned his living by playing the erhu in the street, struggling with poverty for decades. The folk musician was born in Wuxi in 1893. He learned to play the erhu and other instruments from his father.

Composer Hua Yanjun displayed immense talent as a teenager, but he led a tough life. After the death of his mother and father, Hua became homeless and had to play on the streets to make money. He also developed a debilitating illness and became blind, dying in poverty in 1950.

His magnum opus is Moon Reflected on Second Spring, or Erquan Yingyue. The piece resonates with an intense folk character that seems to echo the hardships, trials and tribulations of the composer's life.

To many listeners, the soft, smooth melancholic melody perfectly expresses the inspiration the composer drew from what would have been a deep sense of dissatisfaction and bitterness, perhaps revealing his longing for a better life.