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Combination between traditional Chinese opera and modern music
Music of traditional Chinese opera in early times referred to “singing and martial art scenes” based on percussion of gongs and drums and string instruments. In recent years, numerous troupes attempted the innovative music with instruments of different fields. They boldly integrated traditional Chinese opera with symphonic music, jazz, Chinese traditional music and even modern electronic music. Based on traditional Chinese opera and with variety of instruments, they present innovative music performance to the audiences. The attempt is challenging and it is the measure to preserve the culture! For instance, Kunqu Opera Kuang Qi was created by MOVE theatre and it was the interdisciplinary and experimental work which combined traditional Chinese opera, martial art scene, modern music, body action and theater. The work was based on gongs and drums of traditional Chinese opera and modern western percussion instruments to create dreamy climate. Noticeably, in Kuang Qi, the sound of gongs and drums was insignificant and it worked with western percussion instruments. It is certainly brand new for the audiences who are used to traditional Chinese opera. The outcome of the combination will be exciting for the audiences.
Kuang Qi is an interdisciplinary and experimental work |
Creation film of Kuang Qi (Click the picture to play the film) |
Different performance of Kunqu Opera with modern music
According to Ms. Ming-Fang Kuo of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, at present, the works which combine traditional Chinese opera and modern music are mostly experimental. For instance, they adapt traditional Kunqu Opera with modern instruments, organize various sound effects and relatively integrate them in the music in order to create different effects. The combination, even with some details, is always surprising. Thus, Ms. Ming-Fang Kuo argued that innovative singing of popular songs by the vocal of Kunqu Opera should meet the features of Kunqu Opera and it should be based on the vocal music of Kunqu Opera. Certainly, for the actors of Kunqu Opera, it is challenging. When singing, the actors of Kunqu Opera should adapt to the change of melody and music. Thus, they should be particularly concentrated to “control the tempo”. Finally, Ms. Ming-Fang Kuo compared it with a person’s appearance which is basically unchangeable. However, the outfit can be changed at any time. The key is to match the outfit with the appearance. If it is appropriate and the outcome is positive, why not give it a try?
Mulan combines percussion music and traditional Chinese opera |
Creation film of Mulan (click the picture to play the film) |
Interviewee Ms. Ming-Fang Kuo of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts.
Source of Photos:
National Center for Traditional Arts
https://www.ncfta.gov.tw/cultureevent_31_2049.html
https://www.ncfta.gov.tw/cultureevent_31_2078.html
Liberty Timeshttps://ent.ltn.com.tw/news/breakingnews/2260696
Film source:
Taiwanese Opera Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rRVt5RFvlQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDoXPm61FpM