介绍:
Over the past six decades, Gu Jianfen has been recognized as one of China’s most prolific composers, with hundreds of songs including
The Kiss from Mother, Missing, The Green Leaves’ Love for the Root and Young Friends Come Together. She has also mentored pop stars, such as Na Ying and Mao Amin. Now she is looking for new challenges.
“I have had many offers to write pop songs, but I turned them down. I want to do other things,” said Gu.
Since 2005, she has composed 50 songs with classical literature as lyrics that are meant to deepen the understanding of traditional culture among children and the youth.
San Zi Jing, a 13th-century text for children on Confucian philosophy, and Di Zi Gui, written in the 17th century about Confucius’ teachings, have been turned into songs. Many ancient poems, including A Spring Morning and A Traveler’s Song by two Tang Dynasty poets, have also been made into songs.
“I hope these songs will be included in educational materials in schools. This could be my final contribution,” said Gu. “These traditional texts contain Chinese philosophy, culture and history, all great materials for education.”
She has been writing pop songs since the early 1980s. Young Friends Come Together, released in 1980, has been included by UNESCO as its music teaching materials in 1983.
Gu says that there is no better way to attract the younger generation than through singing, especially when asking them to memorize the legacy of their ancestors.
“I’m 82 years old now and I really want to pass on the classics to the children. For me, nothing is more precious than this,” said Gu.
