by Ying Q.
As there weren’t any Western published books during the Cultural Revolution, for years I had used hand-copied Hohmann Practical Violin Method, books 1 through 4. I borrowed them from my friend and copied the music myself for two days straight every month. During the Cultural Revolution, money was not allowed to be used for any transactions, so to thank and pay my violin teacher for my private lessons, my parents considered giving them canned meat and fish, as those were the most expensive foodstuff instead of cash. The implemented quota system at the time in my hometown dictated that each person only gets 1000g of meat per month, so meat was a scarce goods.
I remember that every time my father bought some meat cans home, he would say, “This is for Mr. Yin” and then put them somewhere inconspicuous. My brother and I never tried to open them secretly during those years even though we were really greedy for the delicious canned meat. Is it unbelievable? Also, there were not many entertainment options at that time, so I was very focused on the violin, practicing one to two hours daily and three hours during summer break, going to my teacher’s house with my mom and then by myself each week. I had never felt that it was tough. Now I think it was a great early music experience in my life.
Time flies. After I experienced all kinds of things, I realized that music has become a big part of my life. I listen to music while I exercise; I can do two to three hours of housework and never feel tired if music accompanies me. I share my feelings through music and then it seems to respond to me. Music brings me relief and peace, and with its vastness and beauty, music fills my heart and comforts my soul. It is just like an angel bringing God’s messages to me. I think music is like the humming of God, singing out his Love.