When Peking Opera began taking shape, its singing was accompanied by two flutes only, known as Shuangshoudi (dual flutes)-the chief Dizi and the assistant Dizi. That is why the Peking Opera orchestra has traditionally been known as Changmian which means stage set-up.

That table, together with musici ans, occupied a part of the facade of the stage and could be seen by the audience. In front of the curtain, stood a table on which were laid various musical instruments to be used for the performance, and musicians were seated nearby. An embroidered curtain known as a shoujiu was hung over the platform, which was thus divided into two parts: the back stage and the stage. In the latter case, performances could be watched from the back also. It is regarded as an expression of the aesthetic ideal of opera in traditional Chinese society and remains a widely recognized element of the country’s cultural heritage.In the past, stages in most Chinese theaters were square platforms exposed to the audience on three sides, even all sides sometimes. Peking opera is transmitted largely through master-student training with trainees learning basic skills through oral instruction, observation and imitation. Costumes are flamboyant and the exaggerated facial make-up uses concise symbols, colours and patterns to portray characters’ personalities and social identities. Traditionally, stage settings and props are kept to a minimum. Performance is characterized by a formulaic and symbolic style with actors and actresses following established choreography for movements of hands, eyes, torsos, and feet. ‘Civilian plays’ emphasize string and wind instruments such as the thin, high-pitched jinghu and the flute dizi, while ‘military plays’ feature percussion instruments like the bangu or daluo. The music of Peking opera plays a key role in setting the pace of the show, creating a particular atmosphere, shaping the characters, and guiding the progress of the stories. They tell stories of history, politics, society and daily life and aspire to inform as they entertain.

Peking opera is sung and recited using primarily Beijing dialect, and its librettos are composed according to a strict set of rules that prize form and rhyme. Although widely practised throughout China, its performance centres on Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.

Peking opera music performance