Course Summary
This course explores the history, techniques, and cultural significance of Kunqu Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Students will learn basic performance skills and gain insight into the artistic and social context of Kunqu Opera.Key Learning Points
- Learn about the history and cultural significance of Kunqu Opera
- Develop basic performance skills in singing, acting, and movement
- Understand the artistic and social context of Kunqu Opera
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Develop basic skills in singing, acting, and movement for Kunqu Opera performances
- Gain knowledge of the history and cultural context of Kunqu Opera
- Understand the artistic techniques used in the performance of Kunqu Opera
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- No prior experience with Kunqu Opera necessary
- Access to a computer with internet connection
- Willingness to learn and practice performance skills
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online self-paced course
- Video lectures
- Interactive quizzes and assignments
- Peer-reviewed assessments
Similar Courses
- Introduction to Chinese Opera
- Performing Arts of Asia
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Li Baochun
- Liu Mengmei
Related Books
Description
This course will focus on the historical and cultural background, literary aesthetics, music, and performance of Kunqu, China’s classical opera. After viewing the lecture videos presented by scholars and renowned maestros in the field of Kunqu, students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese performing arts, classical literature and traditional culture will be enhanced.
Outline
- An Introduction to the Beauty of Kunqu Opera
- 1.1. A brief introduction to Kunqu
- 1.2. High points of Kunqu during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties
- 1.3. The socio-historical background of Kunqu in 16th- and 17th-century China
- 1.4.The Peony Pavilion, its poetry and performance
- 1.5. From page to stage: The Peony Pavilion as masterpiece
- Week 1
- The Beauty of Kunqu Music
- 2.1. A brief introduction to Kunqu music
- 2.2. Musical features of Kunqu melodies
- 2.3. Analytical definition of tune-type: qupai
- 2.4. Contrasts between Western opera and Kunqu opera
- 2.5. Traditional instruments of Kunqu ensemble: changmian
- Week 2
- The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Male Role-Types
- 3.1. Comparison between the young scholar and the official role-types
- 3.2.1. Singing and speaking of the young scholar role-type
- 3.2.2. Foot work and hand gestures of the young scholar role-type
- 3.2.3. Hand, eye,body, and step combined: "Repartee of Zithers", a scene from The Jade Hairpin
- 3.3. Demostration of the young official role-type: "Looking Homeward", a scene from The Shepherd
- 3.4. Demostration of the great official role-type: "Lamenting before the Statue", a scene from The Palace of Eternal Life
- Week 3
- The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Female Role-Type
- 4.1.1. Categories of female role-types in Kunqu
- 4.2.1. Demonstration of the mature female role-type
- 4.3.1."Search for the Dream", a scene from The Peony Pavilion: imaging the romantic mindset of a young woman
- 4.3.2. "Search for the Dream", a scene from The Peony Pavilion: disappointment
- 4.4.1. Benefiting from many masters: Liang Guyin studies "Earthly Desires"
- 4.4.2. Focus on critical points: using eye movement and acting distracted as she recites
- 4.4.3. Pantomime, song, and dance combined: "counting arhats" and escaping down the mountain
- 4.5.1. Equal demands of singing and martial arts in “Borrowing the Plantain Leaf Magic Fan”, a scene from The Journey to the West
- 4.5.2. Innovation in the scene: "belly pain"
- Week 4
- The Art of Kunqu Performance: Integration of the Painted Face and Warrior Role-Types
- 5.1. Face paint patterns and costumes various painted face roles
- 5.2. Use of the beard and eyes in the enactment of Lord Guan
- 5.3. Importance of singing in "Into the Enemy Camp Alone"
- 5.4. Importance of speech and recitation
- 5.5. Movement and facial expression
- Week 5
- The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Comic Role-Type
- 6.1. Categories of male comic role-types in Kunqu
- 6.2. Demonstration of two monks in "Escape from the Monastery" (young chou) and "Touring the Prayer Hall" (fu chou)
- 6.3. Acrobatic action with lyrical singing: "Shi Qian Steals the Armor"
- 6.4. Agility within logic and surprise: excerpt from "Shi Qian Steals the Armor"
- Week 6
- The New Aesthetics of Kunqu: Tradition and Modernity
- 7.1. Kunqu and Chinese traditional aesthetics
- 7.2. The Young Lovers' Edition Peony Pavilion and The New Edition Jade Hairpin: connecting tradition and modernity
- 7.3. The Young Lovers' Edition Peony Pavilion: innovations in stagecraft
- 7.4. The New Edition Jade Hairpin: return to classicism, synthesis of graphic and calligraphic arts
- Week 7
Summary of User Reviews
Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
The course provides an in-depth understanding of the history and techniques of Kunqu operaPros from User Reviews
- Engaging and knowledgeable instructors
- Well-structured and informative content
- Interactive quizzes and assignments for a better learning experience
Cons from User Reviews
- Limited availability of subtitles in some videos
- Some users found the pace of the course to be slow
- Not suitable for those who are not interested in the topic
Prof. Wei Hua 華瑋
4.8 Raiting
Introduction to Classical Music
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Using a simple and enjoyable teaching style, this course introduces the novice listener to the wonders of classical music, from Bach fugues to Mozart symphonies to Puccini operas....
The Beauty of Kunqu Opera
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This course will focus on the historical and cultural background, literary aesthetics, music, and performance of Kunqu, China’s classical opera. An Introduction to the Beauty of Kunqu Opera...
