The Beauty of Kunqu Opera from Coursera

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Syllabus

An 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The Art of Kunqu Performance: Integration of the Painted Face and Warrior Role-Types

The colorful and complex facial makeup of the painted face role-type is probably the most noticeable feature in the eyes of the audience. But what does facial makeup mean and how is it done? This week, Maestro Hou Shaokui will unfold the mysteries for us. He will also share with us his portrayal of Lord Guan, a well-known household character based on the most famous Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. What is more, this unique character combines the essence of both the painted face and warrior role-types.

The Art of Kunqu Performance: the Comic Role-Type

When appreciating the well written script and the beautiful melody of Kunqu, sometimes audiences just want a good laugh in the theatre. This cannot be done without the contribution of the comic role-type. This week, Maestro Zhang Mingrong will explain the characteristics of the different subtypes of the comic role-type, namely young chou, fu chou and martial/acrobatic chou. From Maestro Zhang’s demonstration we will also see that mastering the comic role-type requires much more skill than just natural talent.

The New Aesthetics of Kunqu: Tradition and Modernity

Drawing examples from the production of The Peony Pavilion (Young Lover’s Edition) and The Jade Hairpin (New Edition), Prof. Kenneth Hsien-yung Pai will illustrate how Kunqu today can attract the younger generation by adding modern elements in stagecraft while preserving the basic aesthetics of Kunqu.

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Teaches students about the historical backdrop, literary beauty, music, and performance of Kunqu, China’s classical opera

Explores the poetic artistry shown in the arias, dialogues, and dance movement of Kunqu opera characters, which profoundly exemplifies this opera's aesthetic achievement

Examines the musical features of Kunqu melodies, examines tune-types, and demonstrates what a traditional score of Kunqu looks like

Introduces the various role-types in Kunqu opera, including male, female, painted face, and comic, and how each role-type utilizes facial makeup, costume, singing, speaking, and movements to bring characters to life

Discusses the integration of the painted face and warrior role-types, highlighting the importance and meaning of facial makeup and exploring the portrayal of Lord Guan, a well-known character in the Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Presents the comic role-type, explaining its characteristics and subtypes, demonstrating that mastering this role-type requires more than just natural talent

Reviews summary

Appreciation of kunqu opera

Learners say The Beauty of Kunqu Opera is an engaging and informative look into the history, beauty, and culture of Kunqu Opera. The instructors provide a well-paced introduction to this delicate art form and help learners develop an appreciation for its various elements. Overall, this course offers a positive learning experience for students interested in Chinese arts and culture.

Extensive overview of the development of Kunqu.

"Now i love Kunqu very much. Hope that more people can learn how to appreciate the beauty of Kunqu through this amazing course."

"学了很多东西，了解了中国传统审美与文化！"

"Some of the quizzes were challenging, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable class!"

Seasoned Kunqu scholars introduce learners to the art.

"This course had many different instructors from professors of humanities to retired experts of Kunqu performance"

"Wonderful course, all the professors are so passionate and engaging in their presentation of the course material."

"Tai ho la!"

Course is structured in an easy-to-understand manner.

"Easy to understand introduction to the art form of Kunqu Opera."

"I could have listened to the teachers talk for hours and hours."

"I thought the course was pitched well to the complete novice but yet was very informative."

Explores the connection between Kunqu and Chinese culture.

"Very nice course. Really interesting introduction to the subject."

"Amazing! I've learned so much! kunqu is one of my passions. im super happy"

"Muy buen curso en el que he aprendido mucho"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Beauty of Kunqu Opera with these activities:

Organize: Notes, Quizzes, and Exam Reviews

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Enhance your learning by organizing and reviewing your coursework materials.

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Compile all your lecture notes, handouts, and assignments
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding
Organize quiz and exam reviews to test your knowledge

Read "The Peony Pavilion"

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Understanding the masterpiece of Kunqu Opera will provide theoretical and practical context for the remainder of the course. Reading this book will help you establish a strong foundation in Kunqu Opera.

View The Complete Dramatic Works of Tang Xianzu on Amazon

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Purchase and read the book.
Take notes on the plot, characters, and themes.
Write a summary of the book.

Review: Peony Pavilion

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Review this timeless Kunqu masterpiece to gain a deeper understanding of the themes and artistry of the genre.

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Read the play
Summarize the plot and main characters
Identify the key themes and motifs
Consider the play's historical and cultural context

Five other activities

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Practice performing facial make-up

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Practice the art of facial makeup as a way to optimize learning the Role-Type section of the course.

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Practice: Kunqu Music Ear Training

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Develop your ability to recognize and distinguish different Kunqu musical patterns and melodies.

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Use online ear training tools or resources
Practice regularly to improve your recognition skills
Test your progress by listening to unfamiliar Kunqu pieces

Write: Kunqu Opera Analysis Essay

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Deepen your understanding of Kunqu opera by analyzing a specific aspect, theme, or performance.

Browse courses on Kunqu Opera

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Choose a specific topic or aspect of Kunqu opera to focus on
Conduct research and gather relevant information
Develop a thesis statement and outline your essay
Write the essay, providing evidence and analysis to support your arguments
Proofread and revise your essay before submitting

Practice: Kunqu Vocal and Movement Techniques

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Enhance your appreciation for Kunqu opera by learning and practicing basic vocal and movement techniques.

Browse courses on Kunqu Opera

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Find an experienced Kunqu teacher or online resources
Practice vocal techniques such as intonation, pronunciation, and breathing
Learn and practice basic Kunqu movement techniques, such as hand gestures and postures

Participate: Kunqu Opera Workshop

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Gain hands-on experience and insights into Kunqu opera by attending a dedicated workshop.

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Find and register for a Kunqu opera workshop led by experienced practitioners
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions
Apply the techniques and knowledge gained during the workshop to your own understanding and appreciation of Kunqu opera

Career center

Learners who complete The Beauty of Kunqu Opera will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Musician

Musicians perform music using various instruments, including string, brass, woodwind, and percussion. They may play in a variety of settings, such as orchestras, bands, and solo performances. This course may be useful for Musicians because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Musicians better understand and appreciate the music of Kunqu and other traditional Chinese music forms, which can be beneficial for those who wish to perform or teach this type of music.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers instruct students in the fundamentals of music, such as music theory, history, and performance. They may also teach students how to play specific instruments. This course may be useful for Music Teachers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Music Teachers better understand and appreciate the music of Kunqu and other traditional Chinese music forms, which can be beneficial for those who wish to teach this type of music.

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Arts Administrator

Arts Administrators plan, organize, and direct the activities of arts organizations, such as theaters, museums, and dance companies. They may also oversee the financial and marketing aspects of these organizations. This course may be useful for Arts Administrators because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Arts Administrators better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to work in this field.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and oversee exhibitions, conduct research, and care for museum collections. They may also work with donors and the public to promote the museum's mission. This course may be useful for Museum Curators because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Museum Curators better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to work in this field.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and corporate libraries. This course may be useful for Librarians because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Librarians better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to work in this field.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They may work in a variety of settings, such as academia, museums, and historical societies. This course may be useful for Historians because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Historians better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to work in this field.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of subjects, including math, science, history, and English. They may work in a variety of settings, such as public schools, private schools, and charter schools. This course may be useful for Teachers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Teachers better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to teach this subject.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Journalists because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Journalists better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to report on this topic.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. They may work in a variety of settings, such as publishing houses, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Writers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Writers better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to write about this topic.

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Filmmaker

Filmmakers create films, including documentaries, feature films, and short films. They may work in a variety of settings, such as film studios, production companies, and independent filmmaking collectives. This course may be useful for Filmmakers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Filmmakers better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to make films about this topic.

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Singer

Singers perform music using their voices. They may perform in a variety of settings, such as concerts, operas, and musicals. This course may be useful for Singers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Singers better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to perform this type of music.

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Dancer

Dancers perform dance movements to express themselves or to tell a story. They may work in a variety of settings, such as dance companies, theaters, and schools. This course may be useful for Dancers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Dancers better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to perform this type of dance.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the production of music, including recording, mixing, and mastering. They may work in a variety of settings, such as studios, record labels, and freelance. This course may be useful for Music Producers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Music Producers better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to produce music for this type of opera.

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Actor

Actors perform in plays, films, and television shows. They may work in a variety of settings, such as theaters, film studios, and television studios. This course may be useful for Actors because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Actors better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to perform in this type of theater.

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Composer

Composers create music by writing musical notes and lyrics. They may work in a variety of settings, such as studios, schools, and freelance. This course may be useful for Composers because it provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and performance of Kunqu, China's classical opera. This knowledge can help Composers better understand and appreciate the art form and its role in Chinese culture, which can be beneficial for those who wish to compose music for this type of opera.

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