Formosan rhapsody
As this year marks the centennial birthday of late Tainan composer Hsu Shih (許石, 1919 - 1980), the Taiwan Music Institute of the National Center for Traditional Arts has made it a top priority to promote Hsu's life and works, including enduring folk and pop songs that are still in circulation largely due to his efforts.
Born in 1919 in Tainan, Hsu studied abroad in Japan and became renowned for hits such as "Night in a Southern City (南都之夜)" and "Anping Melody (安平追想曲)." He laid the foundation for Taiwanese pop songs and gained fame during his lifetime, but few people remembered his contributions upon Hsu's passing in 1980.
Hsu was the first Taiwanese musician who combined music with tourism and concert tours to promote indigenous music, having even helped his student Chu Yan-hua (朱豔華) release the first album recorded by an indigenous singer in Taiwan.
In addition, Hsu spent 18 years collecting a wide variety of traditional and folk music from around the nation, which were then transformed into pop melodies with the help of Taiwanese lyricists. In this way and more, Hsu has undoubtedly influenced the trajectory of early Taiwanese pop music.
After he passed away in 1980, Hsu's family generously donated all of his musical literature and items to Tainan so that the spirit of his music would live on as part of his beloved city.
The Hsu Shih Music Library (許石音樂圖書館) officially opened in Tainan in 2018 as a home for his music materials, while also offering a space for local residents to read, take in films, or listen to music. The second floor hosts a permanent exhibition showcasing his collection of writings and personal items.
Through exhibitions, lectures, and academic workshops, the Taiwan Music Institute and Hsu's family members hope to help music aficionados in Taiwan understand Hsu's lifelong aspirations: "My goal is for these nativist songs, long forgotten by many, resonate once again in the hearts of the Taiwanese people."