The critically-acclaimed documentary series, "Masters of the Century", is now being broadcast on more than 20 TV stations in China. The 100 episode series features art masters in different genres. Many episodes are still in the middle of filming, including this one, which looks at musician Liu Tianhua. Shooting has just begun in the master's hometown. 

Born into a family of intellectuals in 1895 in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, Liu was a prominent composer, instrument player and music teacher. He is best known for his innovative work using the erhu, a Chinese two-string fiddle, and has 12 Erhu compositions and three pipa compositions under his belt. He also recorded a lot of Chinese traditional folk music, using the western method of musical notation, and is believed to have weaved (advanced western ideas) into (his composing and performing).

Liu passed away at the age of only 37 due to illness in the 1930's. But despite his short lifespan, his contribution to Chinese folk music still remains huge today. 

Liu was a musician before the founding of new China, and his music is a reflection of an era that is known as the "darkness before dawn", a time filled with tragedy, conflicts and hope. 

To mark the begining of shooting, a concert was held featuring Liu's everlasting music.