Music of East Asia June 12, China: Music Theater

Music of East Asia June 12, History and Development

Music of East Asia June 12, As early as Zhou Dynasty, Chinese drama can be found in primitive religious ceremonies During the Warring State period (403 BC), most plays were impromptu basis Shadow Play was originate during the time of Han Wu DI, Han Dynasty

Music of East Asia June 12, Also in Han Dynasty, palace singers also performs “military plays” accompanied by song Puppet Shows were small clay images which were moved by hand to represents actors in the play. Tang Dynasty is the most flourished period of poetry and music.

Music of East Asia June 12, There were numerous of “Grand Pieces” of music which were complicated not only in rhythm but also in form. After many changes had taken place in the Grand Pieces, the opera – which had begun merely as the combination of dance, music, and singing – started to become a separate art.

Music of East Asia June 12, During the Song dynasty, story telling or narrative and poetry. During the Yuan Dynasty, Mongols love the drama and music influenced China deeply. –Two distinctive styles: Northern – Pei Chu –Warlike strength (energy) –Wild shrill quality on Stringed instruments as Vigorous pattern Southern - Nan Chu –Quieter’ –More Sophisticated performance.

Music of East Asia June 12, Plays in Yuan, plays were in 4 acts, each act in one, and they are not necessary in arias (song) but in recitatives style (speech like) Men took the female role This highly cultured operas were famous in Soochow was known as Kun Chu

Music of East Asia June 12, During the Ming Dynasty, the southern styles superseded the Northern. Many of the imperial families begun to take interest in singing themselves. Although Kun Chu opera developed and reached its peak during the Qing or Manchu Dynasty, other forms of local drama were not completely eclipsed by Kun Chu’s spell of popularity.

Music of East Asia June 12, In Anhwei province a style of local opera had extended its influence considerably, so much so that the emperor then reigning - Chien Lung – was attracted to it and was responsible for eventually moving it to Peking. Characters of other forms of opera from Hopeh, Wuhan, and Shansi were incorporated into this Anhwei opera during this period, but the latter remained the predominant influence. After a while this form of opera became as Ching Hsi: Ching meaning capital of Hsi meaning play. Ching His then is the Peking Opera today.

Music of East Asia June 12, The true character is fast moving scenes with gongs and the sharp click of bamboo drumsticks accompanying of drama. Tea House Atmosphere p.51 text

Music of East Asia June 12, The Roles Sheng – Male Roles are either civil or Military and the actor themselves are trained for three main parts: Lao Sheng, Hsiao Sheng, and Wu Sheng Lao Sheng, a middle age or old man who wears a beard

Music of East Asia June 12, Hsiao Sheng, a young man Wu Sheng, a Military man, expert is acrobats Tan – female, divided into 6 categories: Ching I, Hua, Kuie Men, Tao Ma, Wu, & Lao

Music of East Asia June 12, Ching I – Modest and Virtuous Hua Tan – Flirtatious Kuei Men Tan – a young, unmarried girl Tao Ma Tan – a stronger, more forceful character, usually a women general Wu Tan – a female acrobat Loa Tan – an Old Women

Music of East Asia June 12, Jing – All Jing are in painted faces –Red for good, loyal, courage –White for Tricky, treacherous, –Black for brusque, stubborn, rough –Blue for Cruelty, wild – bandits –Yellow for fierce –Golden – divine beings – Royalties (emperor)

Music of East Asia June 12, Chou – comedian, who generally plays the role of the dim but likeable and amusing character with blinking eyes and all the appropriate gestures. Sometimes Chou can be rascal, with a slightly wicked nature. Two types of Chou –Wen Chou – civilian – jailers, servants, merchant or scholar –Wu Chou – minor military roles and skilled in acrobatics

Music of East Asia June 12, The monkey king is a special character that are usually played by a Wu Chou who typically catches audience’s attention from beginning to the end.