Musical Cultural Heritage and the Multifaceted Role of Huaibang Opera in Henan Province, China

Abstract

The objectives of this thesis were as follows to 1) Investigate the history of Huaibang Opera. 2) Analyze the musical characteristics of Huaibang Opera.The research methods obtain observational studies, in-depth interviews and document analysis. The key informant is Mrs. Zhao Yuqing, Mr. Guo Quanren, and Mrs. Zhang Suli. Who is considered a person who has been accepted in this field has over 20 years of experience and is considered to be an important player in the development of Huaibang Opera.The result of this study show that:

1. The Huaibang Opera, also referred to as "Huaiqingbangzi" or "laohuaibang," represents an ancient and uncommon genre within Chinese opera, primarily concentrated in Jiaozuo City, Henan Province. Over more than 300 years, its developmental trajectory, ranging from inception to zenith to eventual decline, has been intricately shaped by folk influences, notably the tune "Tayaoniang." This operatic form exhibits close ties to Henan opera and shangdangbangzi, ultimately evolving into the mature rendition known as Huaibang Opera.

2. Regarding its musical characteristics, Huaibang Opera embodies a distinctive singing style characterized by an aromatic, generous, unrestrained, and rugged quality, imbued with pronounced local nuances. Structurally, its music adheres to the Banqiang style, delineated into four distinct types. Lyrically, compositions predominantly feature three-three-four-meter cross sentences or two-two-three-meter seven-character sentences, reflecting the linguistic intricacies of the Huaiqing dialect through "hard, straight, and fast" delivery, with minimal intervals between initial consonants and finals. Accompaniment music in Huaibang Opera is bifurcated into two genres: Wen Chang and Wu Chang.

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