The Forefather of Chinese Opera Qinqiang

Also dubbed Luantan, Qinqiang Opera is a local Chinese opera that mainly thrives in Shaanxi Province, as well as its neighboring regions in Northwest China, like Gansu Province, Qinghai Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

It is said that the opera was called "the emperor Qinshihuang's opera" during the Tang period (618-907) and was later renamed Qinqiang Opera, which boasts the most ancient, affluent and largest musical system of all Chinese operas.

The opera first originated from local folk songs and dance forms in the Yellow River Valley of Shaanxi and Gansu provinces -- the birthplaces of Chinese culture. As an opera art form, Qinqiang evolved in ancient China's political, economic and cultural center - Chang'an -- with the persistent efforts of the local people over generations. According to historical records, the opera "first appeared in the Qin Dynasty(221-207BC), experienced great refinement in th eHan Dynasty(206BC-220), flourished in the Tang, was integrated as an opera form in the Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368), matured in the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644) and became widespread in the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911)." Its time-honored history has endowed Qinqiang with a reputation as "the forefather of Chinese operas".

Its repertoires usually feature such themes as anti-aggression wars, the fight between the loyal and the treacherous, and the struggles against oppression, as well as a number of other topics of strong human interest that reflect the honest, diligent, brave and upright characteristics of the local people. The number of the Qinqiang works topped 10,000, ranking first on the list of more than 300 local operas in China. But only about 4,700 works remain today.

Qinqiang is also one of the earliest operatic musical systems to reflect the emotions of human beings. Equipped with a set of performing skills created by the artists, Qinqiang has greatly influenced other operatic forms. During the Qing Dynasty, Qinqiang Opera entered Beijingand directly affected the formation of Peking Opera. Qinqiang Opera thrived during the reign of Emperor Qianlong(1736-1795) when Qinqiang troupes were disseminated throughout the country; In Northwest China's city ofXi'analone there were 36 Qinqiang troupes.

There are generally two kinds of arias in Qinqiang Opera: Huan yin("joyous tune") and Ku yin("sad tune"). Each type was used in accordance with the plots and figures. The major accompanying instrument used is theBan hu(a stringed instrument), featuring a clear and melodious sound.

Qinqiang performances are characterized by a simple, bold, exquisite and penetrating, yet exaggerated style. The roles are categorized into 13 types, namely, four types of sheng(male roles in traditional Chinese opera), six dan(female characters), two jing(painted-face characters) and one chou(clown).

The different dialects of various areas and types of folk music have contributed to slight differences in the opera itself in terms of pronunciation, aria, music etc, forming four major genres. In recent years, the major genre in and around Xi'an has played a dominant role in innovating and developing the art form.

Qinqiang Opera songs are sonorous, bold and touching; its music is colorful and elegant; and its performances on the whole are plain, exquisite and lively. Furthermore, it boasts such unique performing skills as spitting fire and hat dances by the performers.

However, since the 1980s, local operas have struggled for survival, despite their long history and cultural value. Sadly, Qinqiang Opera is no exception. Cultural specialists are working hard to preserve the art form; some have even proposed to enlist Qinqiang Opera as an "Intangible World Heritage."