Deaths on February 12

Yan Su, Chinese general and composer (b. 1930)

Who Was Yan Su? A Pillar of Chinese Performing Arts

Yan Su (Chinese: 阎肃; May 9, 1930 – February 12, 2016) was an exceptionally influential and prolific Chinese cultural figure, widely celebrated as a master playwright and lyricist. His extensive artistic career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on Chinese performing arts, particularly in the realms of opera, song, and screenwriting. Revered for his profound contributions to patriotic and revolutionary art, Yan Su's work not only entertained but also deeply resonated with the national spirit of China.

An Enduring Artistic Legacy: Playwright and Lyricist

Yan Su's genius lay in his ability to craft compelling narratives and pen memorable, emotionally resonant lyrics that captured the essence of Chinese culture and national sentiment. Among his most iconic works is the revolutionary opera "Jiang Jie" (江姐), which premiered in 1964. This seminal work, for which Yan Su wrote the libretto, is based on the popular novel "Red Crag" and remains a cornerstone of modern Chinese opera, celebrated for its dramatic power and patriotic themes. Its enduring popularity solidified his reputation as a leading figure in theatrical writing.

Beyond opera, Yan Su was a gifted lyricist responsible for numerous beloved and widely performed songs. His compositions often blended profound patriotism with accessible melodies, becoming anthems for generations. Notable examples include "Wo Ai Zu Guo De Lan Tian" (我爱祖国的蓝天), translated as "I Love the Blue Sky of My Motherland," a classic song particularly cherished by the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Another famous piece, "Qing Song" (颂), often translated as "Tribute to the Pine" or "Ode," further exemplifies his talent for creating powerful and enduring musical works that celebrated national pride and resilience.

Leadership, Military Service, and Recognition

Yan Su's immense stature in the cultural sphere was formally recognized through his leadership roles and numerous affiliations. He served as the influential vice-president of the China Theatre Association, a prestigious national professional organization under the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC). This pivotal role underscored his profound impact on the direction, development, and promotion of theatrical arts across China.

Uniquely, Yan Su also held a distinguished civilian rank equivalent to a general within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Political Department Song and Dance Troupe. This special classification, indicative of his exceptional cultural contributions to the military, allowed him to leverage his artistic talents to develop morale-boosting and politically significant cultural works. The PLA Air Force Political Department Song and Dance Troupe itself is a key cultural institution within the military, responsible for creating and performing artistic works that support political education and boost troop morale, making his role there particularly significant.

His exceptional writing prowess was further acknowledged with the esteemed title of National Class-A Screenwriter, the highest classification for screenwriters in China. This honorific signifies a mastery of the craft and a record of outstanding contributions to the nation's cinematic and television landscape. Yan Su was also a respected member of the China Writers Association and the China Music Copyright Association, further cementing his prominent standing within the country's literary and musical communities. These memberships are highly coveted and represent professional excellence and dedication to their respective fields.

Commitment to Education and Future Generations

Demonstrating his dedication to nurturing new talent and sharing his wealth of experience, Yan Su also served as a visiting professor at the Hebei Institute of Communications. In this academic capacity, he played a crucial role in educating and inspiring aspiring artists, playwrights, and communicators, ensuring his legacy extended to the next generation of cultural producers in China.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yan Su

What were Yan Su's most famous works?

Yan Su is most renowned for writing the libretto for the revolutionary opera "Jiang Jie" (江姐) and for penning the lyrics to popular patriotic songs such as "Wo Ai Zu Guo De Lan Tian" (I Love the Blue Sky of My Motherland) and "Qing Song" (Tribute to the Pine).

What was Yan Su's role in the military?

He held a civilian rank equivalent to a general in the PLA Air Force Political Department Song and Dance Troupe. This unique position recognized his significant artistic contributions to the military, where he created cultural works to inspire and educate service members.

What does "National Class-A Screenwriter" signify?

In China, "National Class-A Screenwriter" is the highest professional title awarded to screenwriters, acknowledging their exceptional talent, mastery of the craft, and significant contributions to the nation's film and television industry.

Which cultural organizations was Yan Su associated with?

Yan Su served as vice-president of the China Theatre Association and was a respected member of both the China Writers Association and the China Music Copyright Association. He also contributed academically as a visiting professor at the Hebei Institute of Communications.