Qinqiang Opera, a popular local opera, has a long tradition in northwest China, It is popular in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, especially in Shaanxi where is the ancient Qin Region, so it is called Qin Drama. Because the musician use bangzi stick to beat rhythm during play, it is also called " Bang Zi Qiang " as well. Its alternative name is " Luan Tan-casual strike". |
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There are more than ten kinds of local operas in Shaanxi, including Qinqiang, Wanwanqiang, Mihu, Tongzhou Bangzi, and the newly recreated Xi'an music and dances of the Tang dynasty. Of all these, Qinqiang is the most popular. All the operas are characterized by impassioned, sonorous, and forceful melodies.
Qinqiang and Wanwanqing, which are characterized by microtones. In order to play the microtones, the thumb of the left hand (which is normally not used) joins the other fingers to simultaneously press the strings. In the adagio, glissando is used to ornament the weeping melody. In the allegro, the syncopated rhythm makes it joyful and humorous. Then comes the unrestrained cadenza. In the coda, the Erhu plays with the whole length of the bow forcefully, which vividly presents the simple and honest character of people in the Northwestern region? |
