[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

Using a Hebei folk tune usually played on the traditional Chinese brass instrument the suona, he composed a vigorous sonata with a richly festive air. It also represents children playing in the field on summer nights and adults celebrating the harvest.

The piece became popular overnight in a time when the whole country was eager to build a "socialist society". Like the Radetzky March, which is always played at the New Year concert, Shi's Festival Overture has been a staple of Chinese orchestras' celebration repertoires.

Born in a rural area in North China's Hebei province, Shi enjoyed watching performances by local opera troupes. In 1945, he moved with his family to Beijing, where he first heard organ music in his primary school.

He loved the sound so much that after class he often sneaked into the only music classroom, quietly opening the cover and carefully touching the keys.

He started to teach himself basic music theory and some traditional Chinese instruments, such as the erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument) and dizi (a flute).

"Some of my friends like literature, and some like painting. I found that music touched my heart the most. I could not hold back my tears when I heard Beethoven's Sixth and Ninth symphonies," he says.

Shi started to learn the piano in middle school. He often secretly worked on harmonies during Russian and history classes. The teachers were annoyed and kicked him out of lessons.