This
paper examines the evolution of a classical Chinese theater—Kunju. It looks into the history of Kunju by delving into literary
documents and related historic records. Originally, Kunju used Kunshan
tune, a local music style in Kunshan. Thanks to the contributions of Wei
Liangfu and his contemporaries, Kunshan tune was refined into a new music
style. This refined tune used official language (guanhua) and the melody
was generated in accordance with the tones of the words. Besides, new music instruments
were introduced to make vocal delivery more pleasing. These refinements helped
Kunshan tune become a national music style
before spreading from Suzhou to the rest of China. Kunju stresses
on-stage dramatic performance and mimetic movements. This paper also identifies
challenges facing this classical Chinese theater.
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