China FDC on "Chinese Dramatic Balladry"

First Day Cover
首日封
Sobrescrito de 1.º Dia

China


Chinese Dramatic Balladry

Date of Issue : 8 July 2011

(Top FDC, Left)
4-1 : Xiangsheng
Xiangsheng or comic dialogue, originated in Beijing and now prevails throughout the country. Primmarily made up of four artistic skills - speaking, imitating, teasing and singing, it is this type of Quyi that enjoys the greatest influence and widest popularity.

(2nd FDC, Left)
4-2 : Guqu
Gaqu (drum song), also known as Dagu (literally "big drum"), is a storytelling form that can be divided into more than 10 types such as Jingyun dagu (balled-singing in Beijing dialect). It attaches importance to rhythm and rhyme and features elegant lyrics and pleasing melodies.

(Top FDC, Right)
4-3 : Pingtan
Pingtan is a general term denoting storytelling and balled-singing in Suzhou dialect. Originating and prevalent in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, it is a graceful balled singing art, with a long history of development.

(2nd FDC, Right)
4-4 : Kuaishu
Kuaishu (clapper balled) is an art in which the performer performs storytelling accompanied by a small percussion instrument played by him/ herself. Often rhythmic and rhymed, the form can be divided into different categories according to different geographical locations, dialects and styles, such as Shandong Clapper Ballad and Tianjin Clapper Ballad.

Quyi (dramatic balladry) is a general term for a variety of Chinese ballad singing art. A unique form that has evolved from folk oral literature and singing through a long history of development, Quyi distinguishes itself with a singular style, characterized by strong local characteristics, national traits, and an amusing touch. With its tune echoing through centuries, Quyi records the history of Chinese nation and spreads the virtures of the Chinese people.