National Classics -- Qu

Author: Li Jiaying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Poetry, ci poetry, qu (a form of song), and fu (a classical prose form) are the four most brilliant gems in the history of Chinese literature. However, compared to the other three "high-brow" literary forms, "qu" has long been regarded as folk art, the so-called "low-brow" art. After a brief introduction to the history of opera development, we have selected famous opera writers and their works from different periods to help readers gain a deeper understanding of this artistic treasure. When people mention "qu," they generally think of Yuan qu (qu poetry from the Yuan Dynasty). In fact, the "qu" discussed here refers to a broad definition of opera. The art of opera holds a very important position in the history of Chinese literature and even in the entire Chinese culture, and its achievements are no less than those of poetry, ci poetry, and fu. When it comes to opera, people can't help but associate it with the word "vulgar." Of course, the "vulgar" here does not refer to vulgarity or crudeness. Rather, it refers to the popular and simple aspects, in contrast to the refined and elegant "elegant." Opera is not only vulgar but also elegant, and it is appreciated by both the refined and the popular.