Why was kunqu associated with aristocratic theatre?

Kunqu is associated with aristocratic theatre primarily because it evolved into a highly refined, literary form of drama that catered to a scholarly elite, or literati.12

While kunqu originated from southern folk and popular melodies, its development into a sophisticated genre led to a shift in its audience. Several factors contributed to its aristocratic character:12

• Refined Aesthetics: Known as shuimodiao ("water-polished music"), the style is characterized by mild, exquisite, and melodious qualities that were considered more elegant and artistic than the "bombastic" music of popular theatre.13
• Literary Complexity: The poetic forms and versification used in kunqu became increasingly esoteric, making the genre difficult for common audiences to appreciate.2
• Patronage: As it gained favor among the educated classes, it became a theatre of the literati. Its status as a high-culture art form was solidified by its popularity among scholars and its performance for imperial figures, such as the Qing emperor Qianlong in 1784.12

Ultimately, its transition from a popular form to an elite, scholarly pursuit defined its long-standing association with aristocratic circles.2