Kunqu Opera Old Stories

Author: Mu Fanzhong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Mr. Mu Fanzhong from Macau wrote a column titled "Discussions on Kunqu Opera" for the of the《Macau Daily News》over a period of four years. Today, we have compiled these wonderful essays into a book to delight readers. Due to his professional background, reading Mr. Mu's profound insights into Kunqu Opera instantly brought back the feeling of being a student—like meeting an old friend, filled with familiarity and excitement! Mr. Mu claims his works are like hitting one nail with a hammer and another with a stick, lacking any structure, but this is merely a humble remark. Upon closer reading, the essays flow like clouds and water, unfolding gracefully. "The greatest form has no form, and the greatest sound is the quietest." No structure is the greatest structure. Although the essays discuss Kunqu Opera, both professionals and non-professionals will find them immensely enlightening. These articles can be read as (essays on opera) or enjoyed as short, beautiful prose, transporting readers into an utterly exquisite realm.
For a long time, the elegance of Kunqu Opera has kept ordinary people at a distance, making it seem like "the music of the heavens," unreachable and lofty. Yet Mr. Mu, with his simple and plain prose, enables ordinary readers to understand and appreciate Kunqu Opera—a feat achievable only with solid expertise, a versatile writing style, and broad knowledge. Mr. Mu, as a non-professional discussing opera and writing essays, achieves the same effect as when writer Liu Xinwu talks about《Dream of the Red Chamber》or professor Yi Zhongtian critiques《Romance of the Three Kingdoms》—bringing readers a unique experience. As the editor-in-chief of this book, I am truly fortunate! Truly fortunate! And as a reader, even more so! Truly fortunate! This book includes essays such as "Kunqu Opera is a Global Cultural Heritage," "Kunqu T formed in the late Yuan Dynasty," "The Coordination of Singing, Recitation, and Acting," "Zhu Yuanzhang and Opera," "Several Periods of Prosperity," and "Ming Dynasty Yuehu (Music Slaves)."