Laiwu Bangzi Oprea in Laiwu, Shandong, China

Abstract

It is argued that Chinese Opera is fundamentally integrated into people’s social life, providing a basic function to entertain while inducing a sense of belonging and protection from loss. In this thesis, I discuss the musical characteristics of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea, while the function of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea in the local society is examined. These aims are to promote in the long-lasting popularity of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea, and to give rise to the development of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea. To achieve the former aim, I investigated the historical origin and development of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea. Also, the musical characteristics of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea were analyzed to fulfill the latter aim. This thesis adopted the methods of music analysis and field investigation to analyze the music of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea from the aspects of singing, music characteristics, performance, and prominent musical works. The social function of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea dealing with entertainment, education, norm, the pracitic of exorcism, communication and aesthetics are to be monitored. All these artistic values invoke Chinese people to protect the tradition. Under the coming of modern Western musical culture, as never before, the survival and development of Chinese traditional music culture has been challenged, drawing local Chinese operas to the verge of extinction. In other words, the development of traditional music in modern society does not have an optimistic outlook. This article puts forward some personal views on the protection and development of Laiwu Bangzi Oprea, hoping to contribute to the development of opera culture in my hometown.

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