Lin Hai 林海

Lin Hai (林海), born in January 1969 in Anhai, Jinjiang, Fujian Province, is a renowned Chinese composer, musician, performer, music producer, and professor at the Communication University of China. Known as a “maestro of East and West” and often hailed as the “Godfather of Chinese-style music,” Lin Hai has profoundly shaped the modern landscape of Chinese instrumental and film music for over three decades.

Early Life and Education

Lin Hai began playing the piano at the age of four and a half, and by six he was already composing music. A child prodigy with absolute pitch, he gave his first public performance at age seven. At nine, he was admitted to both the Central Conservatory of Music and the Shanghai Conservatory’s affiliated schools, and subsequently moved to Beijing for full-time musical training.

He studied under renowned piano educator Zhou Guangren at the Central Conservatory of Music, where he majored in piano performance. In 1989, he represented China at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in the United States, where he placed in the top ten. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, Lin turned his focus toward jazz and new music, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young pianists in Greater China.

Professional Career and Achievements

Lin Hai has produced dozens of albums across various genres including solo piano, instrumental works, vocal music, and film soundtracks. His notable compositions include:

• “The Silence of the Distant Place” (远方的寂静)
• “Pipa Whisper” (琵琶语)
• “Joyful Flow” (欢沁)
• “Willow” (杨柳)
• “The Fate of Gold and Jade” (金玉良缘)
• “Grave of Passion” (痴情冢)
• “Unrestrained” (无羁)

He has composed or produced more than 2,000 musical pieces, with several albums being nominated for or winning major awards:

• “Moonlight Border” (月光边境): Winner of the 13th Golden Melody Award for Best Instrumental Album.
• “Empty City” (空城), arranged for pop icon Faye Wong, was nominated for Best Arrangement at the 15th Golden Melody Awards.
• “Unrestrained”, for the series The Untamed, won the Kugou Music Annual Golden Melody Award.

Film and Television Contributions

Lin Hai has served as music director and composer for numerous acclaimed film and television productions, including:

• Palace of Desire (大明宫词)
• Winter Solstice (冬至)
• Who Rules My Youth (我的青春谁做主)
• The Fate of Gold and Jade (金玉良缘)
• The Untamed (陈情令)
• Under the Power (锦衣之下)
• The Duke of Mount Deer (鹿鼎记)

He has also composed music for animated shorts for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including “Fuwa” and “Funiu”, as well as the official Olympic promo song “2008.礼”.

Discography and Musical Style

His collaborations with Wind Music (Taiwan) since 1992 resulted in a series of spiritually inspired albums such as:

• The Fragrance Falls (清香落)
• Smiling (含笑)
• Rain of the Mortal World (去做人间雨)
• Dance of Flowers (花舞)
• Cherry Blossom Rain (樱花雨)
• His solo piano albums include:
• Old Stories of the South (城南旧事)
• East and West of the Sun and Moon (日月西东)
• Cat (猫)
• Flowing City (流动的城市)
• The Silence of the Distant Place (远方的寂静)
• Love and Splendor (爱情风华)

He also released thematic albums based on poetry and classical instruments, such as Pipa Reflections (琵琶相) and Butterfly Dance (蝶舞), demonstrating a unique blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary soundscapes.

Academic and Industry Roles

In 2014, Lin Hai served as a judge for the CCTV Piano Competition, and in 2015 he was appointed as a professor and master’s advisor at the Communication University of China, further cementing his role as a mentor to the next generation of Chinese musicians.

Legacy

With a career that seamlessly bridges the classical and contemporary, East and West, Lin Hai remains one of China’s most influential musical voices. His mastery across genres and dedication to innovation continue to shape the evolution of Chinese music on the global stage.