Post by NZBC on Jun 10, 2007 20:46:15 GMT 12
Cantonese Opera is a traditional Chinese art form that involves music, singing, martial arts, acrobatics, and acting. Cantonese Opera plays tell stories about Chinese history, traditions, culture, and philosophies.
Cantonese Opera music consists of innumerable melodies and tunes. Unlike European opera where the composer of the music is praised, in Cantonese opera the music isn¡¯t the most important part - the lyrics are. In Cantonese opera the writers put words into this pool of melodies and tunes. One song may contain many melodies, and it is up to the singer to add his or her own personal variation and style to the melody when they sing it. The singing must be combined with music, of course. Traditional Chinese instruments such as the er wu (yee wu), butterfly harp, pay-paa, flute, and percussion, to say the least, make up the Cantonese Opera orchestra. The percussion alone consists of many different drums and cymbals. The percussion is responsible for the overall rhythm and pace of the music, while the er wu leads the orchestra. Now, Cantonese opera has incorporated many western instruments such as the cello, saxophone, and even the violin which is often used in place of the er wu.
Cantonese Opera music consists of innumerable melodies and tunes. Unlike European opera where the composer of the music is praised, in Cantonese opera the music isn¡¯t the most important part - the lyrics are. In Cantonese opera the writers put words into this pool of melodies and tunes. One song may contain many melodies, and it is up to the singer to add his or her own personal variation and style to the melody when they sing it. The singing must be combined with music, of course. Traditional Chinese instruments such as the er wu (yee wu), butterfly harp, pay-paa, flute, and percussion, to say the least, make up the Cantonese Opera orchestra. The percussion alone consists of many different drums and cymbals. The percussion is responsible for the overall rhythm and pace of the music, while the er wu leads the orchestra. Now, Cantonese opera has incorporated many western instruments such as the cello, saxophone, and even the violin which is often used in place of the er wu.