This course will focus on the historical and cultural background, literary aesthetics, music, and performance of Kunqu, China’s classical opera. After viewing the lecture videos presented by scholars and renowned maestros in the field of Kunqu, students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese performing arts, classical literature and traditional culture will be enhanced.
The Beauty of Kunqu Opera
Offered By
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1An Introduction to the Beauty of Kunqu Opera
Welcome to The Beauty of Kunqu Opera! The following lecture videos will give you some ideas of the historical background and characteristics of Kunqu, China’s classical opera that originated more than 600 years ago and blossomed during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (around 16th – 17th centuries). The introduction is followed by excerpts and analysis of The Peony Pavilion, Kunqu’s masterpiece. The poetic artistry shown in the arias, dialogues and dance movement of the characters exemplifies the aesthetic achievement of Kunqu.
5 videos (Total 45 min), 1 quiz
5 videos
1.2. High points of Kunqu during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties4m
1.3. The socio-historical background of Kunqu in 16th- and 17th-century China6m
1.4.The Peony Pavilion, its poetry and performance20m
1.5. From page to stage: The Peony Pavilion as masterpiece8m
1 practice exercise
Week 120m
Week
2The Beauty of Kunqu Music
Kunqu means music/song (qu) that originated from the district of Kunshan, Jiangsu province. The word itself shows the fundamental role played by music in this Chinese classical opera. This week, Prof. Lindy Li Mark from the California State University, East Bay will talk about the musical aspect of Kunqu. What are the musical features of Kunqu melodies? What is tune-type and what does a traditional score of Kunqu look like? How is the music of Kunqu different from that of the Western operas? What instruments are used in a Kunqu ensemble? Answers to these questions can be found in the lecture videos.
5 videos (Total 45 min), 1 quiz
5 videos
2.2. Musical features of Kunqu melodies8m
2.3. Analytical definition of tune-type: qupai18m
2.4. Contrasts between Western opera and Kunqu opera6m
2.5. Traditional instruments of Kunqu ensemble: changmian6m
1 practice exercise
Week 220m
Week
3The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Male Role-Types
Just like other genres of Chinese opera, Kunqu has a broad range of role-types, such as male (sheng), female (dan), painted face (jing) and comic (chou). From this week on, legendary performing artists who have devoted their whole lives to Kunqu will talk about the role-types they specialize in and their facial makeup, costume, singing, speaking and movements. In addition, they will demonstrate some of the very important repertoires in Kunqu and share with us the characteristics of each of them.
This week, Maestros Yue Meiti and Cai Zhengren will talk about one of the most important role-types of Kunqu, the male role-type. Classical plays such as The Jade Hairpin, The Shepherd, and The Palace of Eternal Life will be introduced as well.
6 videos (Total 85 min), 1 quiz
6 videos
3.2.1. Singing and speaking of the young scholar role-type10m
3.2.2. Foot work and hand gestures of the young scholar role-type11m
3.2.3. Hand, eye,body, and step combined: "Repartee of Zithers", a scene from The Jade Hairpin16m
3.3. Demostration of the young official role-type: "Looking Homeward", a scene from The Shepherd15m
3.4. Demostration of the great official role-type: "Lamenting before the Statue", a scene from The Palace of Eternal Life19m
1 practice exercise
Week 316m
Week
4The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Female Role-Type
The female role-type is another prominent role-type of Kunqu and can be divided into a number of subtypes. In this week lively lectures and demonstration by Maestros Zhang Jingxian (mature female), Zhang Jiqing (young noble lady), Liang Guyin (vivacious young female) and Wang Zhiquan (martial female) will show us the charisma of the diversified female characters on the Kunqu stage from Chinese classics such as The Lute, The Peony Pavilion and Journey to the West.
9 videos (Total 95 min), 1 quiz
9 videos
4.2.1. Demonstration of the mature female role-type6m
4.3.1."Search for the Dream", a scene from The Peony Pavilion: imaging the romantic mindset of a young woman18m
4.3.2. "Search for the Dream", a scene from The Peony Pavilion: disappointment13m
4.4.1. Benefiting from many masters: Liang Guyin studies "Earthly Desires"6m
4.4.2. Focus on critical points: using eye movement and acting distracted as she recites15m
4.4.3. Pantomime, song, and dance combined: "counting arhats" and escaping down the mountain9m
4.5.1. Equal demands of singing and martial arts in “Borrowing the Plantain Leaf Magic Fan”, a scene from The Journey to the West8m
4.5.2. Innovation in the scene: "belly pain"9m
1 practice exercise
Week 416m
4.8
37 ReviewsTop Reviews
By XZ•Jun 8th 2017
The overall structure is fine. But it would be better if the answers and, if any, explanation for quiz are available.
By YF•May 19th 2016
There are lots of very nice guest lecturers who are expert performers of Kunqu Opera. Very beneficial and enjoyable.
Instructors
Prof. Wei Hua 華瑋
Professor and Division HeadDepartment of Chinese Language and Literature
Prof. Kenneth Hsien-yung Pai 白先勇
Wei Lun Professor of HumanitiesFaculty of Arts
Prof. Lindy Li Mark 李林德
Professor EmeritaAnthropology
About The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all corners of the world. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an expansive alumni network.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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Is financial aid available?
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