Zheng Jinwen: Revitalizer of traditional Chinese music

Zheng Jinwen (1872-1935), a native of Jiangyin, Wuxi, was renowned as a folk instrumentalist, music educator, and pioneer in the reform of traditional Chinese musical instruments.

With expertise in both Chinese and Western music theory, Zheng founded the music society, reformed musical instruments, and adapted ancient music pieces.

He launched the Qinse Society in 1918 and later renamed it the Great Unity Music Society, with a mission to study and blend Chinese and Western musical traditions.

The music society comprised three departments: research, compilation, and manufacturing. The research department delved into a wide range of topics, including Chinese and Western music theory, poetry, and techniques for playing musical instruments, singing, and dancing. The compilation department aimed to compile various music books and scores, while the manufacturing department was tasked with crafting Chinese and Western musical instruments.

Thanks to Zheng's efforts, the music society became one of China's earliest folk music organizations. It established the country's first 32-member folk orchestra and performed renowned compositions like Spring Moonlight on the Flowers by the River.

Zheng Jinwen's efforts in enhancing national musical instruments, forming a national orchestra, and compiling music theory texts left a lasting impact on Chinese music. He brought together talented artists, nurtured musicians, and significantly contributed to the evolution and preservation of traditional Chinese music in the modern era.