Ever since its publication in 1971, Nostalgia, by famous poet Yu Kwung-chung in Taiwan, has deeply touched thousands of Chinese people at heart with affectionate feelings about kindred, love and homeland, and witnessed countless homesick tears of overseas Chinese migrants. As this classic poet has remained in books and recitals for nearly 40 years, Chao Daijian, a composer and director of Jiangsu Provincial Institute for Study of Culture and Arts, was determined to compose a melody accompaniment. Then a new song came into being and gained gradual popularity both at home and abroad. During over ten years of his creation and repeated polishment, Yu Kwung-chung, though in his 80s, has commuted from Taiwan to mainland on 6 occasions. This pair of artists despite great difference in age has therefore become close friends and jointly fulfilled a legendary cooperation across the Strait. 

In his childhood, Chao Daijian had a liking of this poem Nostalgia, and now in his middle age, he has more to share with the poet. As far as he can see, though nostalgia is an abstract term, it is hidden in the abyss of our mind. As it is an invisible and intangible complex in our spiritual world, we must depend on some concrete objects to capture this subtle feeling. In that classic poem, Yu Kwung-chung displayed some pictures of “stamp”, “ship ticket”, “tomb” and “strait” so as to express his longing for his mother, wife and homeland in time sequence. A strong desire for family reunion and national reunification is thus vividly portrayed. As a kind of heritage in national tradition in Chinese ancient poetry, this poet is imbued with profound sense of history and patriotism. Besides, with a specific focus on the long-term separation between the mainland and Taiwan, this poem is endowed with incomparable depth and magnanimity. Its realistic significance and spirit of the times is closer at heart to those families separated by the Strait. 

It was such strong feeling of one blood that touched Chao Daijian at heart. Especially in the mass celebration of Beijing’s successful bid for Olympiad in 2001, Yu kwung-chung himself recited this poet to the last but one line when tens of thousands of people echoed at the same time. In that instant, Chao Daijian was inspired to chant a melody. From then on, he was determined to compose a song with the lyric of this poem. Thanks to his perseverant creation, he managed to produce the first demo at the end of 2006. After repeated revisions for a decade and mixing on 6 occasions, this song finally gained the recognition of the poet and listeners. 

One year later, Yu Kwung-chung was 80 years old, and literary and art circles of Jiangsu Provinces deliberately sponsored a birthday party in the Western Garden of the old site of Presidential Residence in Nanjing. In the light of Chao Daijian’s considerate planning, calligraphers and painters presented their gifts with implication of nostalgia. Their paintings of various flowers and landscapes as well as inscriptions of various styles were carrying their best wishes for this elderly. Yu Kwung-chung found all those gifts magnificent. “In my heart, I feel it is too much of an honor for me to accept so many invaluable gifts. In this pleasant evening, I feel blessed with so many wishes that I will enjoy for the rest of my life.” Yu said in excitement. 

On the evening of June 18, 2011, awarding ceremony was held in a passionate atmosphere where all the excellent programs were performed by masters. Yu Kwung-chung had his own request. This 80-year-old poet said, “I was born in Nanjing, and familiar with everything here. As a native, my nostalgia is just my forever missing for my hometown. At this time, I just want to hear the song composed by the composer Mr. Chao Daijian.” At this request, Chen Hanhan, state Class-A singer and head of Jiangsu Provincial Song and Dance Ensemble, sang this song with remarkable expression, which led the whole party to a climax. Both this old poet and all the audiences were then all tears. 

In close talks with Yu Kwung-chung, Chao Daijian curiously ask what will happen in the future if the poem is continued. “The future?” this quick-witted poet replied, “In the future, nostalgia is a very long bridge, through which, you come to my side, and I come to yours.” 

Under the influence of Yu’s devoted spirit, Chao Daijian undertook his responsibility with awareness and self-confidence in Chinese culture. The song Nostalgia that took a decade in creation has become a legendary cooperation with this elderly poet. 

Along with the revival and rising of Chinese culture, Nostalgia, this famous lyric and touching melody will spread to the entire world to arouse more sympathy abroad. Through this song, those overseas Chinese convey their best wishes for their motherland and all the Chinese people will cherish their common root of origin.