Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and contributions of Xian Xinghai, emphasizing his role as a musician who used music as a weapon for national resistance during the Anti-Japanese War, particularly through his iconic work "Yellow River Cantata" [1][3][5]. Group 1: Background and Early Life - Xian Xinghai was born on June 13, 1905, in a poor family in Macau and studied music at various institutions including Lingnan University and the National Music Academy in Shanghai [3]. - He developed a deep sympathy for the working class and questioned the purpose of music, advocating for music that serves the common people rather than the elite [3]. Group 2: Involvement in Anti-Japanese War - After returning to China in 1935, Xian joined the Shanghai Drama Association's anti-Japanese efforts and participated in a series of performances to promote national resistance [5]. - Following the outbreak of the full-scale war, he organized mass singing movements and created numerous anti-Japanese songs, with "To the Enemy's Rear" being one of the most popular [5][7]. Group 3: Creation of "Yellow River Cantata" - Inspired by the poem "Yellow River Ode," Xian composed "Yellow River Cantata" over six days and nights during the Wuhan Campaign, which became a powerful anthem for the Chinese people's resistance [7][9]. - The cantata premiered in April 1939 and was met with strong acclaim, symbolizing the collective spirit of the Chinese people during the war [9]. Group 4: Later Life and Legacy - In 1940, Xian participated in the production of a documentary in Moscow and later integrated Kazakh musical elements into his works while in Kazakhstan [11]. - He passed away in Moscow in 1945, and his contributions were honored in both China and Kazakhstan, with a street named after him in Almaty, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations [13].

Core Viewpoint - Xian Xinghai used music as a weapon to express the people's call for resistance during the war, with his masterpiece "Yellow River Cantata" symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation [1][17]. Group 1: Background and Early Life - Xian Xinghai was born on June 13, 1905, in a poor family in Macau, originally from Panyu County, Guangdong [3]. - He studied music at Lingnan University, Peking University Music Institute, and Shanghai National Conservatory of Music [3]. Group 2: Political Awakening and Musical Philosophy - During his youth, Xian developed a deep sympathy for the working class and questioned the purpose of music, advocating for music that serves the masses rather than the elite [4]. - In 1929, he went to Paris for further studies, where he was influenced by the political and social changes of the time, leading to a revolutionary mindset [6]. Group 3: Contribution to Anti-Japanese War - After returning to China in 1935, he joined the Shanghai Drama Association's anti-Japanese performance team, actively participating in cultural resistance efforts [6][8]. - Following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, he toured various locations to promote anti-Japanese sentiments through music, creating numerous patriotic songs [8][10]. Group 4: Creation of "Yellow River Cantata" - Inspired by the poem "Yellow River Ode," Xian composed "Yellow River Cantata" over six days in a cave, which became a powerful anthem for the Chinese people's resistance [12][17]. - The cantata was first performed in April 1939 and resonated deeply with the public, symbolizing the collective spirit of the nation [21][25]. Group 5: Legacy and Impact - "Yellow River Cantata" became a rallying cry for countless individuals, motivating them to join the front lines of the anti-Japanese war [11][19]. - Xian Xinghai's understanding of music evolved to represent not only Chinese resistance but also a broader anti-fascist sentiment, uniting the global proletariat [29]. - He passed away in Moscow in 1945, leaving behind a legacy that was honored by various figures, including Mao Zedong [31].