Peking Opera

Grade 8 SPJ: Group 2

 What is it?
Peking opera, or Beijing opera, is the
most dominant form of Chinese
opera, which combines music, vocal
performance, dance, and acrobatics.
It arose in Beijing in the mid-Qing
dynasty and became fully developed
and recognized by the mid-19th
century.
What is the origin of the Peking
Opera?
Peking opera - Wikipedia
Although it is called Peking opera
(Beijing theatre style), its origins are in
the southern Anhui and eastern Hubei,
which share the same dialect of
Xiajiang Mandarin (Lower Yangtze
Mandarin). Peking opera's two main
melodies, Xipi and Erhuang, were
derived from Han Opera after about
1750.
 Main idea of Peking Opera:
Peking opera is sung and recited
using primarily Beijing dialect,
and its librettos are composed
according to a strict set of rules
that prize form and rhyme. They
tell stories of history, politics,
society and daily life and aspire
to inform as they entertain.
 What is the costume?
Xingtou.
Peking Opera costumes are
called Xingtou or, more
popularly, Xifu in Chinese. The
origins of Peking Opera
costumes can be traced back to
the mid-14th century, when
operatic precursors first began
experimenting with large ornate
articles of clothing.
 Festival:
The Peking Opera is reputed as
the National Opera in China for
its outstanding artistic feature.
China Peking Opera Festival is a
national level art gala, with
numerous performances of
classic works of the Peking
Opera and renowned actors and
actresses gathering together.
 Quiz
1. What is the other term for peking opera?
2. What is the most dominant Chinese opera?
3. In what dynasty was it created?
4. What are the two main melodies?
5. What dialect is used when singing it?
6. What is the costume used?
7. Are the rules when dancing strict?
8. What is the national opera of China?
9. Peking opera is a?
10. Is the opera classic?
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