A study of the music history of the Pathé Company in the Shun Pao

Abstract

Gramophones and records were first introduced into China at the end of the 19th Century and then developed and prospered here. After years of development and exploration, since E.Labansat founded Pathé Company in 1908, Pathé became the most influential record company. It maintained its leadership in record content and quality in this industry. The Company also played an important role in developing the record industry and transmitting the musical culture during the period of the Republic of China (1912–1949). It also has a close relationship with the development of Chinese modern music. As one of the most profound newspapers, Shun Pao is the earliest published newspaper in Shanghai and has the longest history. Its news materials published about records were written extremely thoroughly and abundantly. A study of the Pathé Company is regarded as invaluable. This study involves compiling original historical materials from the Shun Pao using a documentary analysis approach, systematically selecting and analyzing relevant materials according to various periods and categories. By analyzing the history of its development, business strategy, and cultural influence, the study explores the significance of Pathé to China›s record industry and witnesses its profound impact on the introduction of Western music culture, the fusion of Chinese and Western music culture, and the development of modern music in China.

Keywords

• Shun Pao
• music culture
• music dissemination
• pathé company
• record
• Shanghai

Supporting Institution

This paper was not funded by any organization as well as fund.

Project Number

7251

Ethical Statement

There were no ethical issues involved in this study.

Thanks

We are grateful to the Shanghai Library and Nanjing Library for providing important sources of historical materials for the research of this paper, and to Ms. LinZheng for her important contribution to this paper, especially for her efforts in the compilation of historical materials. English translation of the manuscript has been proofread by Mr. Steve Cole, a native English speaker.

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