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Liu Dehai was born in Shanghai on August 13, 1937. As a reputedPipa(lute) master in China, Liu is now committee member of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference commissioner of Chinese Democratic League's Central Committee, commissioner of Chinese Litterateur and Artists' Union, executive manager of Chinese Musician Association Performing Arts Committee and professor in China Conservatory.

In 1950, Liu began studying national musical instruments, such asPipa(a plucked string instrument with a fretted fingerboard),Erhu(a two-stringed Chinese fiddle),Chinese trichord sanxian and bamboo flute at the age of thirteen. He started his study in 1954 under Lin Shicheng, a well-knownPipaplayer of Pudong School. Three years later, Liu was accepted by the Central Conservatory majoring inPipa. Continuing his study under Lin Shicheng, he also learnt from Cao Anhe of Wuxi School, Sun Yude of Wang School, Yang Dajun of Pinghu School, enriching his performance with strong points of others. At the same time, he learnedQin(a zither-like seven-stringed instrument),Banhuand double bass from theQinplayer, Wu Jinglue. In 1960, Liu graduated in advance and stayed in the Conservatory as a teacher. In 1970, he became aPipasoloist in the Central Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1984, he taught in China Conservatory and was appointed as professor and vice president in 1987.

When he first performedSurrounded on All Sides, Liu Dehai fell in love with the ancient melody. However, he felt that the melody could not fully express the fierceness of the Gaixia Battle between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. Therefore, he decided to adapt it to picture the battle incisively and vividly. His adaptation brought into full play the characteristics ofPipaperformances. He staged the adaptedSurrounded on All Sidesand made it a hit. From then on, people often unconsciously associatedSurrounded on All Sideswith the name of Liu Dehai. He took the adapted musical piece to the world stage, making people in the world know aboutPipaand the profound Chinese culture as well.

Liu Dehai has visited scores of countries and districts throughout the world. In 1980 and 1981, his joint performance of aPipaconcerto namedLitter Sisters on the Prairiewith Boston Symphony Orchestra, West Berlin Symphony Orchestra and the renowned conductor Sciji Ozawa was ardently welcomed by both Chinese and foreign audiences.

To popularize traditional music, Liu Dehai arranged several songs likeLiuyang River,Please Stay You Guests From Distance,The Song of GuerrillaandBloom of AstersintoPipasolos. He also rearranged and adapted some traditionalPipamusic such asThe Overlord Took off His Armor,Chen SuiandA Moonlit Night in Xun Yang.

Liu composed manyPipaworks full of philosophy, includingChapter of Life(consisting ofThe Swan,The Old Child, etc.),Chapter of Pastorale(consisting ofTravel to Hometown,Zen of a Single Fingle, etc), andChapter of Religion(consisting of Dropping Water Guanyin, Merry Arhat, etc.). These works marked his achievements in the search for new fingering ofPipaperformance and new ideas in composition.