Yueju Opera in Machong City Guangdong Province, China

Abstract

Yueju Opera in Machong City, Guangdong Province, China. This study has three primary objectives: 1) To study the history and development of Yueju Opera in Machong City, Guangdong Province, China. 2) To analyze the musical characteristics of Yueju in Machong City, Guangdong Province, China. 3) To propose guidelines for the preservation and transmission of Yueju in Machong City, Guangdong Province, China. The research employed qualitative methodologies, including literature review, in-depth interviews, and field surveys. The research findings are as follows:

1. The historical development of Yueju Opera in Machong City can be divided into five distinct periods: the Formative Period (1521–1727), the Maturity Period (1736–1874), the Revolutionary Period (1912–1950), the Boom Period (1953–1980), and the Contemporary Period (since 2006).

2. The musical characteristics of Yueju Opera are notable for their lyrical emphasis on historical narratives, folk tales, romance, and everyday life. Musically, Yueju employs traditional Chinese pentatonic scales and features both syllabic singing-where each syllable corresponds to a single note and melismatic singing where multiple notes embellish a single syllable to enhance emotional expression. Rhythmic patterns range from fixed meters to free-meter recitative, allowing for expressive narration. Vocal techniques combine true voice and falsetto to convey diverse emotional and psychological nuances of characters. The use of vibrato and ornamental flourishes further enriches vocal complexity and aesthetic appeal.

3. The proposed guidelines for the preservation and transmission of Yueju Opera Machong City include four key channels: film, television, the internet, and education. Films serve to document traditional performances and expand audience reach, despite production cost limitations. Television broadcasts provide wide accessibility but face challenges such as limited airtime. Internet platforms enable interactive and broad dissemination, particularly appealing to younger audiences. Educational initiatives systematically cultivate talent and foster appreciation for Yueju among students, ensuring long-term sustainability. Collectively, these strategies address contemporary cultural transformations and generational gaps, contributing to the sustained vitality and evolution of Yueju Opera in the region.

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