https://folkways.si.edu/the-east-is-red/drama-historical-song-world/album/smithsonian

We had discussed in class how music was commonly used as a political tool especially in China. This soundtrack, The East is Red, was created in 1963 but published on Smithsonian Folkways in 1971, in response to the celebration of the 15th anniversary for the People’s Republic of China. According to the album notes provided, it describes the history of the Chinese revolution. This is actually a Beijing Opera, which took over 3,000 people to orchestrate. Each of the six tracks included is over 18 minutes long. I chose this piece because I thought it was interesting how an entire opera was created to celebrate a revolution. I guess it is the equivalent of creating movies or documentaries in response to something significant in the US. To me, it showed the importance of music in this culture and a relatively recent example of just how that significance plays out.

Commentary: Crazy Man (Max Brainin)

I had also thought that it was interesting to her modern pop or rock songs from other countries. It is interesting how oddly enough, we all sing about the same things (heartbreak, love, etc) but I guess thats just what makes us all human.