Vocals of Chinese opera are primarily divided into “Xi Pi” and “Er Huang.”Tones of songs in “Xi Pi” is relatively more vivid and stronger with tight temper and clear vocal that suit for high emotion, such as toughness, pleasure, anger and passionate.“Er Huang” is more peaceful, steady, lyrical, and deep vocal with smooth and soft temper that suit for low emotions, such as thoughtfulness, sadness, longing.

■Along with different music tempo, there would be different way of singing
However, if Chinese opera only has two kinds of vocals, then it would be too monopoly.For just Xi Pi and Er Huang, there are variations of singing ways, such as uan (original) ban, man (slow) ban, fast san ian, er liu, liu shui, iao ban, san ban, dao ban, ua ua tone, fan xi pi, and fan er huang(Sounds complicated, fine, we will explain explicitly later.)Besides Xi Pi and Er Huang, there would be some other often-used singing vocals to blend in Chinese opera, such as Pangtzu of Honan, se ping tone, high bo ze, Kun Chu, and chui vocal.

■Different music tempo represents different emotions
Both Xi Pi and Er Huang have their different patterns.The so-called Ban Shi is the combination oftempo, temper, and speed variations.There is the difference of Ban and ian, that are the special tempo for Chinese opera music.The sining in the Chinese opera is something needed to learn.Whether you use original vocal or fake voice, it is not merely singing, but singing with story, emotions, ban and ian, and skills.Now, let’s appreciate the beautiful singing talents of Chinese opera.

Reference:
Editor-in-Chief, Ding-Ding Wang, Getting to Know Chinese Opera, National Taiwan Arts Education Center, 1992. / sorted by the research team
Source of Film: authorized and offered by National Guoguang Opera Company

Go Top