"Years of Beacon Fire: Chronicle of East China Literary Troops"

Author: Compiled by the Editorial Committee of this Book / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-05-01
Features: Under the leadership and care of Commander Chen Yi, members of the East China Literary and Art Troupe performed tirelessly for the soldiers and commanders of the army, as well as for the masses of workers and peasants, in various forms such as drama, music, dance, and painting. Through songs in the trenches and rallying cries on the front lines, they promoted the Party's policies and boosted people's morale. Through extensive publicity, they achieved the practical results of unity between the army and the people, shared hatred for the enemy, collective struggle, and showcasing the glory of the army. In the 50 years of construction and development after liberation, they did not lag behind and continued to keep pace with the country's progress, composing symphonies for a new era, filming and producing films and TV dramas that celebrated the spirit of the Chinese nation and gained fame both domestically and internationally. They led their bands to compete and win awards in Japan and Europe; their calligraphy and photography works were exhibited in Southeast Asia and the United States, returning with honors. They published the comic book "The Red Ribbon of the Earth" to promote the spirit of the Long March; they created the enduring song "Who Doesn't Say My Hometown Is Good" to reflect the new face of the motherland; and they wrote "Sing a Song for the Party," praising the Party that led the people from victory to victory, singing the contemporary main melody that keeps pace with the times. This book is both a of the colorful experiences of the literary and art warriors and an heartfelt expression of their deep affection for the Party. They grew up nurtured by the people, and in turn, they celebrated the people through their art. If the activities of this literary and art troupe in the war years were to inherit the revolutionary literary tradition and promote the spirit of Yan'an culture, then in the more than 50 years of construction and development after liberation, they continued to keep pace with the country's progress, composing symphonies that celebrated the new era, filming and producing films and TV dramas that celebrated the spirit of the Chinese nation and gained fame both domestically and internationally, and entered the new field of computer music research that connects with the world. If readers want to know how this team that represents advanced culture navigated through the turbulent waves of the literary and art tide, or if they want to learn about the hardships faced in filming those vivid documentary and science and education films, they can find the answers in this memoir. Reunions are brief, and life too has an end. After each reunion, some comrades leave this world, but each reunion brings us back to our youth, making us feel much younger in spirit. Each memory reaffirms the value of our lives. Among our comrades are musicians, conductors, film artists, photographers, and writers. Their achievements are inseparable from the training they received in the revolutionary furnace. We are proud to have lived in that era. With that past experience, we can face life with indifference to life and death, and consider hardship and fatigue insignificant. With such a mindset, what difficulties cannot be overcome on the road of life! Only with diligence can the boat of music reach the shore of ideals; only with humility can one embrace all things; only with perseverance can one move forward without rest. I do not seek for my works to be shrouded in any dazzling glory. I only hope that they beat in rhythm with the pulse of the times, blend with the harmony of society, and are accepted, loved, and cherished by the broad audience. This is my hope and pursuit. Their recognition and praise are my greatest comfort and the highest honor for me. Precisely for this reason, writing for the motherland and the people is not just a outdated slogan for me, but a lifelong noble duty and sacred mission. July 1, 2001