The Classical Theatre and Art Song of South Fukien

A Study of Three Ming Anthologies

By Piet Van Der Loon

The classical theatre and art song of South Fukien is a unique and important part of Chinese culture.

This book is a study of three Ming anthologies that provide valuable insights into this rich tradition.

The first anthology, the Quanshengtang Quhua (Complete Collection of Southern Theatre Melodies), was compiled in 1598 and contains over 500 songs from various genres.

The second anthology, the Nanyin Guerci (Southern Songs and Ballads), was compiled in 1603 and contains over 300 songs from the Nanyin genre, which is a type of narrative ballad.

The third anthology, the Nanyin Jiaoyin (Southern Songs and Instrumental Music), was compiled in 1607 and contains over 200 songs and instrumental pieces from the Nanyin genre.

These anthologies provide a wealth of information about the classical theatre and art song of South Fukien, including the lyrics, melodies, and performance practices.

They are an invaluable resource for scholars and performers alike, and they provide a glimpse into a rich and vibrant cultural tradition.