Course

The Beauty of Kunqu Opera

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Embark on a captivating journey delving into the mesmerizing world of Kunqu Opera with this comprehensive course. Explore the historical and cultural nuances, literary aesthetics, mesmerizing music, and enchanting performances that define China’s classical opera.

Throughout the course, you'll uncover the socio-historical background of Kunqu in 16th- and 17th-century China, marvel at the musical features and traditional instruments of Kunqu ensemble, and gain a deeper understanding of the male, female, painted face, warrior, and comic role-types in Kunqu performances. Furthermore, you'll witness the seamless integration of tradition and modernity in Kunqu, bridging classicism with contemporary innovations.

  • Discover the historical and cultural background of Kunqu Opera
  • Explore the literary aesthetics and music of Kunqu
  • Gain insight into the art of Kunqu performance and role-types
  • Appreciate the integration of tradition and modernity in Kunqu

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The Beauty of Kunqu Opera
Course Modules

Embark on an in-depth exploration of Kunqu Opera through modules delving into its historical context, musical intricacies, performance art, and the integration of tradition and modernity.

An Introduction to the Beauty of Kunqu Opera

Module 1 invites you to delve into the historical context of Kunqu Opera, exploring its high points during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and understanding its socio-historical background in 16th- and 17th-century China. You'll also witness the magnificence of The Peony Pavilion and its transition from page to stage as a masterpiece.

The Beauty of Kunqu Music

Module 2 provides an in-depth exploration of Kunqu music, shedding light on its distinctive musical features, analytical definition of tune-types, and contrasts with Western opera. You'll also acquaint yourself with the traditional instruments of the Kunqu ensemble, particularly the changmian.

The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Male Role-Types

Module 3 delves into the art of Kunqu performance, focusing on the male role-types. You'll compare and witness demonstrations of the young scholar, young official, and great official role-types, gaining insights into their singing, speaking, footwork, hand gestures, and combined performances.

The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Female Role-Type

Module 4 continues the exploration of Kunqu performance, this time delving into the female role-types. You'll witness demonstrations and gain insights into the mature female role-type, as well as the demanding requirements of singing and martial arts in The Journey to the West.

The Art of Kunqu Performance: Integration of the Painted Face and Warrior Role-Types

Module 5 elucidates the integration of the painted face and warrior role-types in Kunqu performances. You'll explore face paint patterns, costumes, and the importance of singing, speech, recitation, movement, and facial expression in bringing these characters to life.

The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Comic Role-Type

Module 6 sheds light on the art of Kunqu performance from a comedic perspective, exploring the categories of male comic role-types and demonstrating their acrobatic actions, agility, and lyrical singing. You'll witness the seamless fusion of logic, surprise, and agility within these performances.

The New Aesthetics of Kunqu: Tradition and Modernity

Module 7 delves into the new aesthetics of Kunqu, bridging tradition and modernity. You'll explore the innovations in stagecraft, return to classicism, and the synthesis of graphic and calligraphic arts in The Young Lovers' Edition Peony Pavilion and The New Edition Jade Hairpin.

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