Singing his praises, across the ages

Folk opera production Liu Liuzhou, centered on Tang Dynasty (618-907) writer Liu Zongyuan and his connection with the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, made its premiere on April 11 at the China National Opera House in Beijing. CHINA DAILY

The production aims to depict major historical events but also to creatively narrate the details of Liu's four years in Liuzhou.

In addition to such historical figures as Liu Zongyuan and his friend, renowned poet and philosopher Liu Yuxi, the production imagines several fictional characters, especially Guangxi locals who present unique folk singing styles.

Composer Du Ming says the production merges traditional Chinese music based on the pentatonic scale; instruments that ancient literati adored, such as guqin (a seven-string zither) and xiao (a bamboo flute); Guangxi's folk songs; and traditional Chinese operatic elements to develop the characters, ambiance and plot.

"We aim to not only uphold China's musical tradition but also to showcase distinctive local cultural characteristics," Du says.

"Based on the pentatonic scale, the songs of characters from central parts of China adopt music that sets a melancholic tone, which matches their sense of dejection. But for Guangxi characters, the brighter styles commonly used in folk songs are adopted to convey their optimism and positivity despite undesirable living conditions."

The dramatic contrast in musical tones is gradually replaced by the interaction and integration of different musical styles, reflecting the changes in the characters' states of mind.