Three Hundred Yuan Qu Translations, Annotations, and Comments

Author: Zhong Linbin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: The connotation of Yuanqu (quyi) can be divided into broad and narrow definitions. The former includes Yuan (Yuan opera) and Yuan (Yuan qu), while the latter refers solely to Yuan. This book is a selected collection of Yuan qu. In the Yuan Dynasty, qu was also known as "Lefu" (Music Bureau) or "Geyici Zhangzhang" (Song Lyrics and Prose), indicating that it was a form of musical literature, specifically the lyrics of songs. It developed from northern folk songs and popular tunes during the Jin and Yuan periods, evolving into a new poetic form. Its flourishing environment was the urban centers of the Jin and Yuan dynasties. While its authors included high-ranking officials and prominent scholars, most were middle and lower-tier literati and folk artists. The performers were predominantly courtesans in the entertainment districts (goulan), giving it a strong urban flavor—almost making it a form of urban literature.