Schools

The schools of Yue Opera encompass various artistic elements such as repertoire, singing, recitation, and acting, which are centrally embodied in the distinctive artistic images created. Among these, the singing style exhibits the greatest originality, the most prominent characteristics, and the most significant influence, hence it is referred to as the school’s singing style. The singing style of Yue Opera schools consists of two major components: melody and vocal technique. In terms of melodic organization, each school forms its own basic style through variations in melody, rhythm, and beat. In terms of vocal technique, each school achieves a distinct aesthetic appeal through differences in vocal production, timbre, and ornamental embellishments.

Plays

Classic Yue Opera Plays: The plays of Yue Opera are rich and varied, covering historical stories, folk legends, and modern themes. Most of these plays center around the theme of "talented scholars and beautiful ladies". Through exquisite arias and delicate performances, they vividly present characters' images and emotions, evoking resonance and touch among the audience. The aria of Yue Opera is known for its gentleness, delicacy, and expressiveness. The melody is beautiful and flowing, the rhythm is slow and smooth, and it has strong expressiveness, especially in traditional plays. Performers have strict requirements in terms of arias, movements, expressions, and costumes. Their performances are vivid, and the characters are distinct, making Yue Opera a comprehensive performing art integrating poetry, music, dance, and other art forms.

Grand masters

Yue Opera grand masters: The Ten Sisters of Yue Opera are a brilliant monument in the history of 20th-century Yue Opera. In 1947, their joint charity performance of Love of Mountains and Rivers caused a sensation in Shanghai, demonstrating the unity and awakening of artists. Most of them founded their own schools—Yuan, Yin, Fan, Fu, Xu, among others—greatly advancing Yue Opera's reform and prosperity. The classic repertoires and distinctive singing styles they left behind transformed Yue Opera into a major genre rich in diverse schools, appealing to both refined and popular tastes, with a lasting legacy.

History

History of Yue Opera: In the brilliant constellation of Chinese operas, Yue Opera is like a shining pearl. With its delicate performances, beautiful arias, and elegant style, it tells the joys and sorrows of the world and sings the stories of the years. From the grassroots troupes in the waterside villages of the Jiangnan region to the art palaces across the country and even the world, let's step into the history of Yue Opera together, explore the legends and charm behind it, and experience the unique charm of this ancient art that has been precipitated in the long river of time.