Old Bei

The name of Ludwig van Beethoven - or Old Bei, as he came to be known affectionately in China - was first introduced to Chinese audiences by Li Shutong (1880-1942). Since then, the story and music of Beethoven - synonymous with struggle against adversity, with success achieved through the overcoming of difficulty and bitterness - have become an integral part of modern Chinese culture. As the century unfolded, Beethoven’s works were promoted and criticised in equal measure. Old Bei grew from the first four distinct pitches (G-E♭-F-D) heard at the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, forming a backbone for fragments of Beethoven’s works and music related to China.