Kunqu Opera is one of the oldest operas
in China. It originated from Kunshan, Jiangsu at the end of Yuan Dynasty and the
beginning of Ming Dynasty. It’s also called“Kunshan Tune”. Because of its
profound foundation and popularity, it was named“Mother of Chinese Opera”. In
the process of 600 years’development, it forms an intact system of performance
and unique tone and tune. It has variety of subjects, elegant and magnificent
diction. It is strict in four-character pronunciation, rhythm, tempos. It’s
melody is smooth, sweet and agreeable which gives it“Watermill tune”. Each play
is composed by a set of Qupai (the basic unit of Kunqu Opera). The most
influential operas are Fifteen guan (unit of money), Peony Pavilion, Drunken
Yamen Runner, Knee beside the pond, etc.
