Biography of Tan Fuying

Author: He Baotang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The voice of the Peking Opera master Tan Fuying is clear, sweet, and crisp. His diction and vocal delivery are not overly embellished, nor does he. He uses full breath support, delivering his lines seamlessly, creating a sense of emotional fullness and exhilaration. Due to his training in Wusheng (martial roles) in his youth, his martial arts skills and physical movements are both agile and precise. For example, in his performance of Ding Junshan, not only was his singing extraordinary, but his steady and skillful handling of the spear and sword movements were also clean and captivating. Because of his versatility in both singing and acting, as well as his mastery of both literary and martial roles, he gained fame early in the 1930s. He became one of the "Four Great Mustaches" of Peking Opera, renowned for his significant achievements and the longest stage career, following Ma Lianliang.
Tan Fuying (1906-1977), a famous Peking Opera performer from Wuchang, Hubei, was born into a Peking Opera family. His grandfather was Tan Xinpai, and his father was Tan Xiaopai. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by his father and older relatives through osmosis. Later, he joined the Fuliangcheng Troupe, studying under masters such as Xiao Changhua, Wang Xixiu, and Lei Xifu, specializing in Lao Sheng (senior male roles). After six years of rigorous training under strict guidance, he laid a solid foundation in his art. He excelled in roles requiring spear and shield techniques. Later, under the tutelage of his father Tan Xiaopai and teacher Yu Shuyan, he inherited the styles of the "Tan School" and the "Yu School," further developing his artistic strengths. His performances were characterized by their unrestrained expressiveness, simplicity, and elegance, marking significant progress in his skills. His singing style was later dubbed the "New Tan School," and he was eventually honored as one of the "Four Great Mustaches."