| Of the many major forms of theater in China, the Chinese Opera is by far the most famous. This dramatic musical form became popular in the late 18th century and was performed in teahouses in an atmosphere of light conversation and socializing. Character types are associated with vocal styles: for example, main male characters sing in the baritone range; secondary male characters (usually unbearded scholars or lovers) sing in falsetto; and virtuous female characters sing in high falsetto. Accompanying instruments include bowed and plucked lutes, drums, clappers, gongs, cymbals, bamboo flutes, and oboes. The example heard here is an excerpt from the Chaozhou regional opera, “Bai Lixi Reunites With His Wife.” |
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