Art, in its many forms, has always held an extraordinary power to heal, inspire, and transcend the boundaries of time and space. It serves as a universal language, connecting individuals to their deepest emotions and shared experiences. For many, art becomes a refuge, an anchor, and even a form of silent resistance in times of crisis. This is especially evident in the role that music—specifically Western classical music—played during the most oppressive periods of history, such as the Cultural Revolution in China.

In ” In the East is Red” by Frieda Yang, we are offered a rare and intimate glimpse into how Western classical music became a lifeline —a silent yet profound form of resistance — for a family torn apart by political upheaval. For Frieda Yang and her family, music was not just a form of personal expression; it was a form of survival, a way to preserve a semblance of normalcy and dignity during one of the most turbulent times in Chinese history.

Music as an Emotional Anchor amid Chaos

When we think of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), images of violence, fear, and suppression dominate our minds. For millions of Chinese citizens, daily life was marred by suspicion, forced labor, and the loss of personal freedoms. Families were torn apart, and intellectuals, artists, and anyone suspected of opposing the regime were persecuted. It was a time when individuality and creativity were seen as threats to the revolution. Yet, during this cultural purge, music—particularly Western classical music—became a sanctuary for many.

For Frieda Yang and her family, their home was a place where music echoed through the halls, offering not just comfort but a reminder of a world outside the harshness of political realities. In the face of constant threat, music provided solace. The sound of a violin, the delicate strains of a piano, or the powerful notes of a symphony offered moments of peace and a sense of normalcy that otherwise seemed out of reach. It was a way of holding on to their identity, a beacon of hope that helped them navigate the storm.

Frieda recalls how their home, despite being under constant surveillance, was filled with the sounds of classical music. Her mother, an avid music lover, would often play the piano, filling the house with the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. It was not just the melody that brought comfort, but the very act of playing music, which allowed them to connect with something greater than themselves, something untainted by politics. In the darkest of times, music became the family’s emotional anchor, offering them a temporary escape and a reminder of the world’s beauty beyond their immediate surroundings.

Western Classical Music as Silent Resistance

But the role of music in times of crisis was not just about personal comfort—it also served as an act of resistance. In a society where the Communist Party sought to eliminate anything that was considered “decadent” or “Western,” the very act of playing classical music became an act of defiance. Western classical music was often associated with the bourgeoisie, the intellectual elite, and those perceived as enemies of the revolution. To listen to it or perform it was to stand in quiet opposition to the authoritarian regime.

For many families, such as the Yangs, music was a way to preserve their cultural heritage and values. It was a way of maintaining their dignity and refusing to be swallowed by the oppressive system. Music, in this context, became a powerful form of cultural preservation. It was a rebellion of the soul—a refusal to let political forces erase the richness of human creativity and emotion.

Frieda’s mother, despite the pressure to conform, continued to nurture her children’s love for music. She believed in the power of Western classical music not just as a means of personal expression, but as a form of intellectual resistance. By keeping the music alive, she was asserting her family’s autonomy in an environment that sought to strip them of their individuality. It was in this subtle form of rebellion that music found its strength—hidden in plain sight, yet potent in its message.

Music as a Bridge between Two Worlds

One of the most powerful aspects of music is its ability to transcend cultural and political boundaries. For Frieda, growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution, Western classical music served as a bridge between two very different worlds—the world of her parents, who had been educated in the West, and the world of the political turmoil that surrounded her. Music was the link that connected them to a past that was being rapidly erased and to a future that seemed uncertain. It was a connection to their family’s history, their values, and their identity.

This theme of music as a bridge is evident throughout The East is Red. The family’s love for music helped them maintain a sense of continuity amid the chaos. Classical music not only provided emotional comfort but also served as a reminder of the world beyond the Cultural Revolution. It was a way of holding on to something precious—something that political forces could not take away.

In many ways, music also allowed Frieda and her family to preserve their connection to the outside world. They may have been physically confined within the boundaries of their country, but their minds and hearts were free to roam through the works of composers like Beethoven and Mozart. These compositions were a window to a broader cultural landscape—a place where beauty and truth still existed, despite the political forces that sought to control them.

The Enduring Power of Music in Times of Crisis

As we reflect on the role of Western classical music in The East Is Red, we are reminded of the timeless power of art in times of crisis. Music, like all forms of art, can provide solace, resistance, and a sense of connection. It allows individuals to hold on to their humanity and dignity when everything else seems lost. For Frieda Yang and her family, music was more than just a form of entertainment—it was a form of survival.

In the face of unimaginable hardship, music became the quiet force that helped them navigate the storm. It was their emotional anchor, their form of silent resistance, and their link to a world beyond the political strife that sought to define them. As we face our challenges in the world today, we would do well to remember the lessons of music and memory. In times of crisis, it is often the most powerful forms of art that provide us with the strength to persevere.