Qu Yi (曲艺, Chinese Traditional Speaking and Singing arts) is an overall term for a variety of local and traditional stage arts from many different ethnic groups in China. This type of stage art originates from the oral folklore literature and the local music and poetry of the various provinces of China, which have evolved in various forms throughout history. According to incomplete statistics, up to now there are about 400 traditional speaking and singing arts forms active in China.
The two most prominent artistic features of Chinese traditional stage arts are singing and speaking, with the ability to tell a story as a guiding principle in both abilities.Read More about Qu Yi Here
Nan Yin （南音） Also called Nan Music, Nan Guan, Langjunyue and etc., Nan Yin is one of the four ancient music. She has a long history of at least 1000 years. She enjoys the reputation of “Chinese Treasure” and “Living Musical Fossil”. In September 2009, Nan Yin was included in the “List of Representative Works of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO.
Nan Yin’s music is composed of three parts: Zhi Tao (story suites), Pu (pure music), and Qu (song). It preserves Chinese ancient music, Buddhist music, song music and opera music since Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties as well as the classical music of Tang and Song dynasties, keeping a strong tie with the legacy of ancient music in central China. Nan Yin’s main musical instruments are Pipa, Dongxiao (hole flute), Sanxian (three-string), Erxian (two-string), clappers and percussion instruments. The major forms of performance include cappella, duet, singing with dance, and instrumental solo and ensemble.
Nan Yin: Quanzhou, the Beacon of Maritime Silk Road 《海丝航标颂》
This piece created by Quanzhou Nan Yin Troupe 2 years ago, sung by Ms. Zhuang Lifen, winner of the Chinese Peony Award of Quyi Art. Although there is no storyline in it, it depicts Quanzhou’s millennium changes and development as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Subtitles: English/ Chinese.
Nan Yin: Whisper of Bamboo 《竹语》
This is an instrumental performance of Nan Yin without singing. It belongs to the category of “Pu” of Nan Yin, that is, pure music. Through the performance of instrumental music, Pu usually depicts things and sceneries, such as flowers, grass and seasons. In the sound of music, “Whisper of Bamboo” is to let the audience listen to the whisper and feel the subtleness, vividness, pureness and flexibility of bamboo in the wind.
**Provided by China Quyi Artists Association
