My grandfather Ma Lianliang -(Includes Bonus Disc)

Author: Ma Long
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Reconstructs the brilliant artistic achievements and turbulent life journey of the Peking Opera master Ma Lianliang, accompanied by a DVD featuring classic singing excerpts by Ma Lianliang. Since the beginning of the Qing Dynasty three hundred years ago until today, from the perspective of the evolution of national culture, the works that represent the artistic characteristics of the Qing Dynasty are: the paintings of the "Four Wangs," the calligraphy of Wang Menglou, the poetry of Wang Yuyang, and the prose of the Tongcheng School. In the field of Peking Opera, there is a spirit that resonates closely with the aforementioned works, and it stands as the representative of the Lao Sheng school in this vast historical context—this is the performing art of Ma Lianliang. — Qi Gong
After 1840, Peking Opera can be divided into Modern Peking Opera, Modern Peking Opera, and Contemporary Peking Opera. In terms of the Lao Sheng role, Tan Xinpei is the culmination of the Modern period. The artistic achievements of Yu Shuyan, Yan Guoping, and Gao Qingkui represent the peak of the Modern period in the Lao Sheng role. The rising figure of the Modern period who stands as the representative of the Contemporary Lao Sheng is undoubtedly Ma Lianliang. — Wu Xiaozhi
Before Ma Lianliang, this style of art had only seen the hint of blossoming but not the full flower. With him, however, we see the full bloom. Ma Lianliang's art was not just keeping pace with the times; it created an era. — Ouyang Zhongshi
My grandfather, Ma Lianliang, had already considered publishing a personal chronicle titled Wenru Collection during his performances in Shanghai in 1948. Later, he entrusted his friend, the renowned painter Zhang Daqian, to inscribe the title, and asked the theater critic Shen Weichuang to oversee the project. Through the description of his forty-plus years of life, he hoped to provide a comprehensive summary of his artistic journey. The content covered both art and life, richly illustrated, and vast in scope. Due to historical reasons, Wenru Collection was never published, but Mr. Shen was always excited whenever he mentioned this plan.
My ancestors lived with an open and upright heart, and their lives were a testament to the saying, "Sing earnestly on stage, live honestly off it," which earned them widespread admiration. When friends asked for his autograph, he often wrote, "From the hall of Sima Wen Gong, I have no extraordinary qualities, but in my life, I have never done anything that I could not confess to others." This was not only his life motto but also the guiding principle for me in writing his biography. If I were to summarize my grandfather's life in two simple sentences, it would be "brilliant artistic achievements and a turbulent life journey."
There are already many articles and books about his artistic accomplishments, and as a layman in this field, I dare not speak of them. As a descendant of the Ma family, my understanding of my grandfather differs slightly from that of outsiders. I will only share the stories about his life that I know with the readers. If they find it worthwhile to read, I will be deeply satisfied.