Yiyang opera

Yiyang opera, also known as yiyang qiang, is a form of Chinese music-drama that emerged during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). It is characterized by its use of a chorus (bangqiang) and the interpolation of explanatory passages in colloquial speech between lines of classical poetry, which were often sung. This style was generally more appealing to the public than the more aristocratic kunqu opera.1

Chinese music during the Ming and Qing dynasties (14th to early 20th centuries) primarily focused on theatre music and instrumental pieces. While yiyang qiang was popular, other forms like kunqu and bangzi qiang also developed, each with distinct instrumentation and vocal qualities. Peking opera (jingxi), which arose in the 1790s, later became the principal form of Chinese music-drama, combining elements from many earlier styles.12