What I want to speak to the youth is that,being a professional conductor,besides the necessary ability and knowledge in terms of techniques and artistry,you must also learn the spirit of Xian Xinghai.Today,one has to concern about the "two benefits"of both social and economic effects in doing almost everything. Xian Xinghai left to the Chinese people enormous spiritual wealth with his Yellow River Concerto.But he did not get paid for his composition.He finished this great work within a short period of seven days,and the only material earning for him was one kilo of sugar that was offered to him for his late night work by the lyric writer Zhang Guangnian.He has never enjoyed the copyright or author’s right for his works in his lifetime.The spirit of the"Yellow River"Concerto has been encouraging generations after generations of Chinese people,producing such great power that can never be evaluated with the present-day vulgar values.This shows that the reputation and value of a real artist should not be equal to the price that he asks for to the society,but lie in the spiritual wealth that he contributes to the people. I have been a conductor for 60 years,having conducting several thousand concerts and several thousand works.I studies both in China and abroad,benefiting from professional knowledge,Chinese and Western,in universities.Nevertheless,the"Yellow River"has always been breeding,nurturing,and encouraging me.I grew up in the music of the"Yellow River",and I wish to serve my beloved people by going on with my conducting career and introducing the"Yellow River"to more people.
