Four lead singers

The four major tunes of Southern Opera refer to the four traditional opera tunes formed in Ming Dynasty in China. They are Yu Yaoqiang (Zhejiang), Kunshan (Jiangsu), Haiyan (Zhejiang) and Yiyang (Jiangxi), which are collectively called the four major tunes of Southern Opera.

Yu Yaoqiang's operas appeared the earliest and had far-reaching influence. They have become ancient music, absorbed by other operas and popular all over the country. He is the originator of traditional Chinese opera, and at the same time, he has played a great role in drawing lessons from the development of later operas.

Kunlun Opera is one of the oldest traditional operas of Han nationality and a rare masterpiece in opera singing. Its classical songs are elegant and melodious. Now it is one of the ancient singing methods and one of the intangible cultural heritages of China, which we should inherit and protect.

Lu Rong's Miscellaneous Notes on the Garden records that in Haiyan County, Jiaxing Prefecture, "there is a habit of advocating Excellence, which is called' player'", so there is a local sea salt cavity. By the time we reached Jiajing and Qin Long, Haiyan Opera had spread from Jiaxing to Huzhou, Wenzhou, Suzhou, Songjiang, Nanjing, Taizhou, Beijing and other places, and was deeply loved by the broad masses of the people.

In the mid-Southern Song Dynasty, Geyang Opera was introduced into Jiangxi via Xinjiang, which blended local dialects and folk music. At the end of Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of Ming Dynasty, a new style of traditional Chinese opera appeared. At first, the local people used the combination of notes and cards to form a very distinctive singing style. Later, it developed continuously and is now one of China's intangible cultural heritages.

China's traditional opera culture is extensive and profound, and there are many kinds of vocals. The above four aria are only the most traditional parts. We should know them and appreciate them. At the same time, we should take its essence, discard its dross and pass on the beautiful China culture.