Youth of China
Youth of China
Overview
The Youth of China is the third installment in a Chinese classical literary song trilogy. This album was released at the United Nations headquarters in New York, following the International Youth Day, in 2018. It showcases a blend of Chinese classical poetry with Western musical styles such as rap, folk, and R&B. The album endeavors to connect cultures by incorporating both traditional Chinese music notes and Western presentation styles, highlighting a fusion between the two worlds. The project is a collaboration between You Jingbo, an artistic director at the American National Music Center, and Jing Mengtao, a vocal performance student at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Composition and Themes
The album consists of 10 songs, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese poetry, including pieces like Ospreys from the Book of Songs and Song of Mulan, a folk tale about a female warrior, Mulan, from the North Wei (386-534) era. The lyrics are deeply rooted in Chinese classical literature, while the music arrangements reflect a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese melodies with Western musical elements, aiming to bridge cultural divides and inspire a global audience. The thematic focus of the album is to highlight the importance of youth in a nation's strength and to encourage young people globally to embrace and appreciate their cultural heritage.
Artistic Vision and Goals
You Jingbo and Jing Mengtao spent eight months collaborating on the album, ensuring a seamless integration of Chinese and Western elements. Jing expressed a desire to use the album as a medium to inspire teenagers around the world to embrace their cultural heritage and to foster an appreciation for ancient Chinese civilization. The album is part of a larger effort to promote education in Chinese classical literature among the younger generation and to strengthen cultural ties among Chinese immigrants worldwide.
Trilogy and Global Distribution
Youth of China is the final piece of a trilogy, with preceding albums featuring lyrics from the poetry of the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279). The entire trilogy aims to make Chinese classical literature accessible and appealing to a global audience. The albums are available in approximately 180 countries through digital music platforms including QQ Music, Kougou, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Deezer, ensuring widespread access and engagement with these cultural works.
Cultural and Educational Impact
The release of Youth of China highlighted the enduring significance of youth involvement in cultural and national rejuvenation. The album serves not only as an artistic endeavor but also as an educational tool, intended to spark interest in Chinese cultural heritage among young people both in China and abroad. The album aims to resonate with and support Chinese immigrants by fostering a sense of cultural identity and belonging.
International Recognition and Performances
At the album launch ceremony, the World Harmony Foundation awarded certificates to Chinese music teachers and their pupils for their role in disseminating traditional Chinese music globally. This recognition underscores the album's contribution to international cultural exchange and education, aligning with the celebration of International Youth Day. Through such initiatives, Youth of China seeks to play a meaningful role in cultural diplomacy, using music as a universal language to promote harmony and understanding across borders.
Artist Profiles
You Jingbo
You Jingbo is a Chinese American artistic director based at the American National Music Center. With a robust background in music composition, You has a clear vision of integrating Chinese classical poetry with Western musical elements to create a unique cross-cultural experience. His work on the Youth of China trilogy reflects his commitment to promoting Chinese literature and music on a global stage.
Jing Mengtao
Jing Mengtao, a vocal performance student at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, brings a fresh and youthful perspective to the album. His passion for Chinese classical literature and music is evident in his commitment to the project. Jing hopes that the album will inspire young listeners to appreciate the richness of their cultural heritage and the beauty of ancient Chinese poetry. Article reference1. Album of Chinese classic literary songs released at UN headquarters. chinadaily.com.cn. 2018Photo Gallery（15 pictures）CategoriesLiteratureTagModern and Contemporary LiteratureChinese Modern LiteratureCatalogue1. Overview2. Composition and Themes3. Artistic Vision and Goals4. Trilogy and Global Distribution5. Cultural and Educational Impact6. International Recognition and Performances7. Artist Profiles- - - []