Qu Xixian

Full biography Qu Xixian

Qu Xixian was a notable Chinese composer, born in Shanghai on June 10, 1921. He was known for his ability to bridge traditional Chinese music with modern Western styles, creating a unique sound that was both sophisticated and innovative.

His early musical training began at the age of six, and he went on to study composition at National Conservatory of Music in Shanghai. However, his studies were interrupted by the Japanese invasion of China, which led him to flee to Hong Kong in 1940.

In 1946, he moved to the United States to continue his studies at Juilliard School of Music in New York City. There, he studied under the tutelage of the renowned composer Vincent Persichetti.

Qu Xixian's music often incorporated elements of Chinese folk music and opera, but was also heavily influenced by the modernist movement in Western music. He was particularly known for his use of atonal and polyphonic techniques, which he combined with traditional Chinese instrumentation.

Some of his most famous works include "The Moon Over a Fountain," "Yi Dance," and "Autumn Dusk." He also composed music for numerous films and television shows, including the Chinese opera film "The White-Haired Girl."

Throughout his career, Qu Xixian received numerous awards for his music. He passed away in Hong Kong on August 4, 1995, but his legacy as a pioneering figure in Chinese contemporary music lives on.