Chinese opera
Quick Summary
Chinese opera, particularly jingxi (Peking opera), is a 19th-century art form that combines music, drama, and performance. It evolved from earlier theatrical styles and incorporates a variety of instruments. Melodic instruments often include fiddles like the jinghu and erhu, while percussion instruments such as drums (gu), gongs (luo), and clappers (paiban) provide rhythmic structure.
Unlike Western music, traditional Chinese opera does not focus on harmony and harmonic progression. Instead, rhythm plays a crucial role in conveying expression and forward motion. Arias are typically structured in couplets, with instrumental interludes between lines. The melodies often fall into two main prototypes, xipi and erhuang, each with distinct modes and rhythmic styles that align with the dramatic context and character. Jingxi is also known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and acrobatic performances.12
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Chinese musicMusical theatre…literally set the stage for Chinese opera. Regional music-drama flourished throughout the Song empire, but the two major forms were the southern nanxi and the northern zaju. The ci poetical form was popular in both, although the southern style was held to be softer, with its emphasis on five-tone scales…
Read More…literally set the stage for Chinese opera. Regional music-drama flourished throughout the Song empire, but the two major forms were the southern nanxi and the northern zaju. The ci poetical form was popular in both, although the southern style was held to be softer, with its emphasis on five-tone scales…
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The classical Peking opera (ching-hsi) in China is a form of musical theatre in which music is one among several elements rather than a governing factor, as in Western opera. The vocal writing alternates between styles broadly equivalent to recitative and song, distinguished by…
Read MoreThe classical Peking opera (ching-hsi) in China is a form of musical theatre in which music is one among several elements rather than a governing factor, as in Western opera. The vocal writing alternates between styles broadly equivalent to recitative and song, distinguished by…
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Chinese performing artsThe Ming period…century, adapted it to full-length opera in time, and it quickly spread to all parts of China, where it held the stage until the advent of jingxi (Peking [Beijing] opera), two centuries later. Important kunqu dramatists were Tang Xianzu (died 1616), famed for the delicate sensitivity of his poetry; Shen…
Read More…century, adapted it to full-length opera in time, and it quickly spread to all parts of China, where it held the stage until the advent of jingxi (Peking [Beijing] opera), two centuries later. Important kunqu dramatists were Tang Xianzu (died 1616), famed for the delicate sensitivity of his poetry; Shen…
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- Gao Ming
…and playwright whose sole surviving opera, Pipaji (The Lute), became the model for drama of the Ming dynasty.
Read More…and playwright whose sole surviving opera, Pipaji (The Lute), became the model for drama of the Ming dynasty.
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ChinaLiterature and scholarshipOperatic drama, which had emerged as a major new art form in Yuan times, was popular throughout the Ming dynasty, and Yuan masterpieces in the tightly disciplined four-act zaju style were regularly performed. Ming contributors to the dramatic literature were most creative in a more-rambling,…
Read MoreOperatic drama, which had emerged as a major new art form in Yuan times, was popular throughout the Ming dynasty, and Yuan masterpieces in the tightly disciplined four-act zaju style were regularly performed. Ming contributors to the dramatic literature were most creative in a more-rambling,…
Read More- ChinaPerforming arts
Yuan dramas—or operas, as they are more accurately called—consisted of virtuoso song and dance organized around plots on historical or contemporary themes. The operas were performed in special theaters, with elegant costumes and decorated stages. From Yuan drama, later forms developed, including contemporary jingxi (Peking opera) and…
Read MoreYuan dramas—or operas, as they are more accurately called—consisted of virtuoso song and dance organized around plots on historical or contemporary themes. The operas were performed in special theaters, with elegant costumes and decorated stages. From Yuan drama, later forms developed, including contemporary jingxi (Peking opera) and…
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Chinese literatureDrama…compositions may be described as operas; (2) each play normally consists of four acts following a prologue; (3) the language of both the dialogue (for the most part in prose) and the arias—which alternate throughout the play—are fairly close to the daily speech of ordinary people; (4) all of the…
Read More…compositions may be described as operas; (2) each play normally consists of four acts following a prologue; (3) the language of both the dialogue (for the most part in prose) and the arias—which alternate throughout the play—are fairly close to the daily speech of ordinary people; (4) all of the…
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theatreChinaThe classic theatre of the Chinese is called “opera” because the dialogue is punctuated with arias and recitatives. Of the amazingly detailed written record of Chinese theatre, the first reference to opera was during the T’ang dynasty (618–907). The development of the opera style popular today took place during the…
Read MoreThe classic theatre of the Chinese is called “opera” because the dialogue is punctuated with arias and recitatives. Of the amazingly detailed written record of Chinese theatre, the first reference to opera was during the T’ang dynasty (618–907). The development of the opera style popular today took place during the…
Read More