Voice techniques here differ from modes in other sung operas in one respect: what is called "singing" includes, aside from the arias, the introductory intoned recitation, which is also considered as singing. Because these recitations are unaccompanied, as if a development from the I-ch'iang tradition, it is like a capella singing. Hence the enunciation and diction must be crystal clear, the yin and yang tones, the sharp and rounded vowels, etc. must not be confused. Thus it is considered even more difficult than accompanied, aria singing. For example in the opera K'ung-ch'eng-chi (tale of the "Deserted Town"), when the 3rd century Taoist sage and strategist Chu-ke Liang makes his entrance, his introductory recitation in three- and four- syllable sequences:
"Yu-shan luen-chin, ssu-lun-chu, k'uai-ssu-feng-yun; ting-ch'ien-k'un, ju-fei-chang, lian-tai wei-ch'en" must be uttered in full, rounded tones and correct diction, with the tones, vowels and consonants sonorous and clear in order to effect a sense of resonance among the clouds, to make the audience feel awesome loftiness. This unaccompanied recitation requires a sonorous voice fully-grounded in singing techniques. There is no way the performer can rely on slight-of-hand and be slack and loose in any way. For these few lines constitute one of the high points of the entire opera, and a place where the audience responds loudly to the performer's skills.
As for spoken lines, nien-pai, this is perhaps even more difficult. Aria singing is complete with melody, music, cymbals and drums, and thus easy to listen to and economical on the performer's energies. The introductory recitations, although a capella and somewhat taxing, is aided at least by the melody. The spoken lines or nien-pai have no melody and no instrumental accompaniment except for the cymbals and drums to keep time. Thus the performer speaking the lines must rely entirely on the energy resources built up below the diaphragm, in his tan-t'ien, and the strength of his tongue and lips, to project each word and phrase with crescendo and diminuendo, in graceful modulations. The inflections, twists and turns of the four tones, sharpness and roundness of the vowels must be crystal clear and resonate throughout the entire hall, so that the audience can hear without difficulty. Most importantly, spoken lines and body-gestures must vividly bring out the circumstances of the story and the emotions of the personae. For example, in the spoken verbal exchanges by old men in operas such as Ssu-chin-shih (The Four Scholars) or Yeh-shen Pan Hung (Night Trial of Pan Hung), the spirit, attitudes and heightened tension if well projected can cause the entire hall to be so quiet as to hear a pin drop, where the audience is excited and moved, their spirit of righteous indignation aroused. This is when the power of the story and the performance reach the zenith, and the audience claps its approbation and shouts "hao! Bravo!" Furthermore, virtually all role-types have plays in which their spoken lines form a highlight, whether they are hsiao-sheng (unbearded young man), wu-sheng (martial bearded young man), tan (young woman), ching (the gruff-voiced painted-faced civil or martial characters), or chou (clown). This indicates the power and emotion inherent in the spoken, unsung lines. Connoisseurs say, "athousand catties for unaccompanied recitation, four ounces for singing." This reflects the importance of voice-training. Indeed it is in voice techniques that Chinese Opera is so highly regarded.
The Speaking Skills
Editor:at0086 | Resource:AT0086.com
Related Information
Related Ranking
- Ten Prestigious Peking Opera Styles
- Famous Theatres You'll See Traditional Chinese Opera in Beijing
- Theatres or Opera Houses of Beijing Flavor In Xuanwu District
- Ten Beijing Opera Famous Players
- Most popular local opera in China
- Top 10 Star Hotels with Most Rooms in Shanghai
- 5 Earliest-Established Airline Ticket Affair Companies in Beijing
- 6 Airline Ticket Companies with Most Ticket Supply
- 5 Airline Ticket Affair Companies with Best Reputation in China
- Top 5 Shopping Areas in Beijing
China Easy Booking
-
Plan a trip to China
China tours guide provide you china travel including Beijing tour, Shanghai tour, Xian tour, Yunnan tour and Tibet travel information. You can book china tour package from China Service Mall. Click here for china tours guide information.
Book now
-
Apply for a visa to China
Get your China visa today, from China visa service center you trust-at0086 China Service Mall. We serve residents of all countries who want to get the China visa application Easy, fast, affordable, reliable.
Book now
-
Book flights
At0086 China Service Mall is a leader in providing cheap airfares. You can book flights with best comparative airfares. China Service Mall plays a major role in connecting the airline companies all over the world with your information of booking flight ticket.
Book now
-
Rent a house in China
Want to rent a house in China? You can find house rental service from China Service Mall-the worldwide greatest reservation center for china service. We provide house rental in Beijing, house rental in Shanghai and other city of china. Reserve your house rental service from at0086 China Service Mall
Book now
-
Enroll a Chinese language school
learn Chinese in china, study Chinese in china, study mandarin in china, One-on-one. Low price. Excellent teachers. Start anytime. For all levels of proficiency. Flexible course duration. Comfortable single dorm rooms. Click and reserve.
Book now
-
Enroll a Chinese calligraphy class
Interested in Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting? You can apply for some courses about learning various styles of writing a single Chinese word-Chinese characters and Chinese painting by At0086 China Service Mall. Just click and choose what your needed, we will exert our energy to help you apply for the courses on Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting. Easy, fast, affordable, reliable.
Book now
-
Find a Chinese kungfu school
Interested in Chinese martial arts-Kung fu, wu shu? You can apply for some courses about Kung fu training or martial arts training by At0086 China Service Mall. Just click and choose what your needed, we will exert our energy to help you apply for the courses on Chinese martial arts-Kung fu, wu shu. Easy, fast, affordable, reliable.
Book now
