Replaying a classical record

The year 1979 is important in the history of classical music in China. Before Isaac Stern's trip, Seiji Ozawa visited Beijing in March with the Boston Symphony and returned to collaborate with the Central Symphony Orchestra in December.

In October, the United States-born violinist Yehudi Menuhin collaborated with the China Central Symphony Orchestra and Herbert von Karajan conducted the Berlin Philharmonic in the capital. Andrew Davis then conducted the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in November.

While the Chinese people were thirsting for culture from the outside world after the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), Western musicians also had a strong interest in understanding the country and its people.