Cantonese Opera & Traditional Literature
Some libretti in Cantonese opera originate from poems, ci，proses and so on. Will you be surprised if you find something familiar from Cantonese opera?
Jing Ke ​narrates the story that in the Spring-autumn and Warring States, Jing Ke is going to assassinate the emperor of Qin by pretending to give the map of Yan and the head of Fan Yuqi under the order of Prince Dan. Here is the scene that Prince Dan holds a farewell party for him on the bank of Yi River. Jing Ke sings loudly to express his determination of success and courage. The song in Cantonese Opera is the same on in the Record of the Grand Historian.
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Uploaded by Zou Huiqi
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The Tragedy of the Poet King narrates the story that the king of Southern Tang Li Yu, who is immersed in writing and literature, is captured by the king of Song and surrenders with his attendants. After leaving the country, he writes several classical Ci, an important genre of literature in ancient China.
Some scripts in this opera are from them. In the short excerpt (1:22:45 - 1:23:50), what the actors sang expresses Li Yu's cherishing of the past prosperous scenes and regret to inaction when facing aggression. The sorrowful tune and wonderful performance portray a helpless man.
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Uploaded by Zou Huiqi
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