Shanxi Opera is one of the oldest operas of the Han nationality in China. It originated from Shaanxi Province and was derived from the Zhou Dynasty. It is mainly based on the Guanzhong dialect of Shaanxi Province and mixed with the poetry of the Tang Dynasty. The singing pattern of Qinqiang Opera is divided into 12-character, seven-character, and five-character sentences, and there are two modes of performance. The first is the Chuan Qiang (expressing the mood of joy and joy), and the second is the bitter tone (expressing the spirit of sorrow, anger, and sorrow).
Since the 1980s, Shanxi Opera has been dramatically impacted by modern culture. Professional performing troupes are struggling to survive, and there is a shortage of outstanding performers. Traditional performing skills are in danger of being lost.
Shanxi Opera Ping Opera
Ping Opera, which is popular in northern China, is one of the five significant types of opera in China and is considered the “second-largest type of opera in China.” Unlike other operas, Ping Opera does not incorporate dialects. For this reason, Pingju is easy to understand, and its cheerful form mainly reflects the lives of the local people. So there are a lot of audiences in both urban and rural areas.
Ping Opera tended to be Peking Opera for a time, but it retained its lively and accessible character in the end.
Bangdrum Erhu Dihu Pipa Sheng
Instruments of Ping Opera: (The traditional instruments)
-Banhu, Erhu, Dihu, Sheng, Pipa, Bangdrum, Bangzi gong
Later added: (Ping Opera can also add those instruments now)
-Bass and cello
Similarities: – Both were listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritages in 2006.
-All have the same instrument: Banhu
Difference: – The regional colour of Shanxi Opera is robust, plus he has a lot of acrobatics to learn from childhood.
Ping Opera is very inclusive. It can learn from the experience of other operas to constantly improve itself.