Abstract [eng] |
Chinese opera has a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. From primitive songs and dances Chinese opera has evolved into a comprehensive art form with a fusion of folk songs, dances, drama and comedic plays. It combines music, dance, acrobatics, and martial arts to convey stories from Chinese literature and folklore, encompassing over three hundred and sixty different genres. Chinese opera showcases individual art forms while highlighting their shared qualities. Wenjing Guo's opera Rickshaw Boy, introduced in 2018, marked a significant milestone in bringing Chinese opera to a wider audience in Europe. The opera explores themes of social inequality and personal struggle in 20th-century China. Rickshaw Boy highlights various artistic elements of Chinese opera, including singing, acting, elaborate costumes, makeup and intricate stage design. The integration of traditional Chinese music with Western symphonic arrangements adds a distinctive flavor to the opera and enhances its accessibility to a broader audience. Integration of modern technology, such as multimedia projections and innovative lighting effects, enhances the visual and auditory experience, making it more engaging and captivating. This research reveals a modern Chinese opera from the singer's perspective. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the arias of Xiangzi and Huniu, exploring the possible difficulties in singing, also the relationship between their artistic charm and characters. |