National Classics: Qu

Author: Li Jiaying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2008-06-01
Features: Poetry, ci poetry, qu (a form of Chinese opera), and fu (a classical Chinese literary 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, often referred to as "xiachunbaren" (the common people). After briefly introducing the history of Chinese opera, 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 usually think of Yuan qu (qu poetry from the Yuan Dynasty). In fact, the "qu" discussed here refers to a broader concept of Chinese opera. The art of Chinese 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 talking about opera, people can't help but associate it with the word "vulgar." Of course, the "vulgar" mentioned 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 just vulgar; it also has an elegant side, being both vulgar and elegant, enjoyed by both the refined and the common people.