Encyclopedia of Yuan Qu

Author: Li Xiusheng, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-09-01
Features: Every era has its own literature: Chu's Ci poetry, Han's Fu, the Six Dynasties' parallel prose, Tang's poetry, Song's Ci, Yuan's Qu, which are called the literature of each era and cannot be followed by later generations. Yuan literature is famous for Qu, and during the Yuan Dynasty, Qu was already mentioned alongside Tang poetry and Song Ci. Luo Zongxin of the Yuan Dynasty wrote in the preface to "Zhongyuan Yin Yun": "It is true that the world collectively praises Tang poetry, Song Ci, and the Yuan Dynasty's Yuefu." Wang Guowei of the modern era wrote in the preface to "Song and Yuan Drama History": "Every era has its own literature: Chu's Ci poetry, Han's Fu, the Six Dynasties' parallel prose, Tang's poetry, Song's Ci, Yuan's Qu, all of which are called the literature of each era and cannot be followed by later generations." Yuan Qu can be divided into two types: Zaju (operas) and Sanqu (quatrains). In terms of artistic form, Zaju is a comprehensive theatrical performance, while Sanqu is popular song singing. From the perspective of the musical system, both belong to the Northern Qu system, so they are collectively called Qu. There are 261 extant Zaju texts (including fragments) from the Yuan and early Ming dynasties; according to "Quan Yuan Sanqu," a total of 3,853 quatrains and 457 sets of qu were compiled, with very few Southern Qu included. After "Quan Yuan Sanqu" was published, new discoveries were made. Whether it is Zaju or Sanqu, they all reflect an important transformation in literary history. Wang Guowei called the literary achievements of Yuan Zaju "the masterpiece of an era" ("The Literature of Yuan Drama" in "Song and Yuan Drama History"), and Hu Shi also praised Yuan Qu as "flowing literature" ("Literary Revolution in the History of Our Country"). It is closer to social life, more directly expresses the author's thoughts and emotions, and more frequently uses colloquial language. The Yuan Dynasty is an important part of the history of ancient Chinese civilization. The politics, economy, and culture of the Yuan Dynasty had a significant impact on the Ming and Qing dynasties. The study of Yuan Qu has attracted attention both domestically and internationally. To provide a comprehensive reference book for Yuan Qu enthusiasts, we have invited some domestic Yuan Qu scholars to compile this "Dictionary of Yuan Qu." We hope it can become a practical reference tool.