The predecessor of Peking Opera is Huizhou Opera, which originated in Huizhou, Anhui Province. In the fifty-fifth year of Qing Qianlong (1790), four Huizhou classes, Sanqing, Sixi, Chuntai and Hechun, which were originally performing in the south, entered Beijing one after another. They cooperated with artists in Hubei, accepted some plays, tunes and performance methods of Kunqu Opera and Shaanxi Opera, and absorbed some local folk tunes. Through constant communication and integration, Peking Opera was finally formed.
After the formation of Peking Opera, it began to develop rapidly in the court of Qing Dynasty and gradually penetrated into the people. It has become one of the important operas in China with its unique singing, performance skills, facial makeup and costumes. Peking Opera gained unprecedented prosperity in the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, and many famous Peking Opera actors emerged, such as Mei Lanfang, Cheng and Xun Huisheng.
The origin and development of Peking Opera is not only the evolution of artistic forms, but also bears rich historical culture. Many plays in Beijing Opera are adapted from China's historical stories, literary works and folk tales, which reflect the social changes and people's thoughts and feelings. Peking Opera was also influenced by feudal rulers and literati, and gradually formed a unique artistic style and performance skills.
Beijing opera genre:
1, the old school: The old school is one of the most important schools of Peking Opera performing arts, mainly playing male roles over middle age. Old actors usually have a generous voice and a calm performance. The main representatives of this school are, Ma, Yang, Zhou. They have their own characteristics in performances, such as Tan Pai's high-pitched and passionate singing, Ma Pai's delicate performance and Yang Pai's mellow singing.
2. Dan school: Dan school is another important school in Beijing opera, which mainly plays the role of women. Dancers usually have sharp voices and soft performances. The main representatives of this school are Mei Lanfang, Cheng, Shang Xiaoyun and Xun Huisheng. They have their own characteristics in performance, such as the dignified and elegant Mei school, the deep and introverted Cheng school, the vigorous and fresh business school and the playful and lively Xun school.
3. Qingjiao School: Qingjiao School is a negative school in the performing arts of Beijing Opera, which usually has a rich voice and rough performances. The main representative of this school is Qiu Hehou. They have their own characteristics in performance, such as the uninhibited atmosphere of Qiu School and the insidious and cunning of Hou School. The Clean Corner School not only has a unique style in singing, but also has a rich accumulation in performance skills and role portrayal.