Peking opera began in Beijing in 1790 and blends music, dance, art, acrobatics and martial arts. Performances feature beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes and graceful gestures. Actors must be physically strong to perform martial arts and acrobatic dances. Costumes are elaborate and actors apply their own makeup for each show. Musical instruments include percussion instruments as well as the erhu, huqin, yueqin and lute.

1. CHINA
P e k i n g o p e r a a n d
I n s t r u m e n t s o f c h i n a

2. Peking Opera
Began in Beijing in
1790.
It is a blend of music,
dance, art, acrobatics,
and martial arts.
Peking also features
beautiful paintings,
exquisite costumes, and
graceful gestures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYWiQ_RnLWE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC6Ecc1LztY&feature=related

3. What are the operas
about?
Historical
Comedy
Tragedies
Farce or Nonsense

4. Character Roles
Sheng - positive male
Dan - positive female
Jing - supporting male
Chou - the clown

5. Physical Strength
Until recently, men
were only allowed to be
a part of the opera.
The actors must be able
to perform martial arts
and acrobatic dances.

6. Costume and Make Up
The costumes used in
Peking Opera are very
elaborate.
The actors must apply
their own make up
every show.

7. What instruments
are used?
Percussion
castanets
drums
bells
cymbals

8. What instruments
are used ?
Orchestral
Erhu
Huqin
Yueqin
Lute

9. Erhu
“ T h e C h i n e s e
V i o l i n ”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI4m3AEy3RI&feature=related

10. Yueqin
“ T h e M o o n
G u i t a r ”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrttPkk8f38

11. Lute

12. Enjoy!
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