Tanci is the main artistic means of speaking, answering, playing and singing. When playing ci, the three strings are mainly accompanied by pipa, which can be played and sung by themselves or accompanied by each other. Pay attention to "reason, taste, interest, subtlety and skill" when playing ci. Suzhou Pingtan was once praised as "the most beautiful voice in China" by a master of Chinese studies. Its melodious singing and elegant lyrics are one of the artistic features of Pingtan.
Suzhou Pingtan is a traditional storytelling drama form that speaks in Wu dialect. It came into being and became popular in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, and was sung in Suzhou dialect. Pingtan has a long history, and it was quite popular during the Qing Qianlong period. The most famous artist is Wang, who once sang songs for Emperor Qianlong.
During Jiaqing and Daoguang years, there were four famous artists: Chen Yugan, Mao Changpei, Yu Xiushan and Lu Ruiting. During Xianfeng and Tongzhi years, there were Ma Rufei, Zhao Xiangzhou and Wang Shiquan, and then there were many famous schools, which made Suzhou Pingtan art last for more than 200 years.
Suzhou Pingtan can be divided into three performances, namely, one-person single file, two-person double file and three-person three-file performance. All the actors played and sang by themselves, accompanied by Xiao Sanxian and Pipa.
Vocal music is a plate variation, and the main theme is Shu Diao, which can sing different styles of content. At the same time, it also absorbed many tunes and folk songs, such as Feijia tune and cock crow. Book tune is the basis of the development of various singing schools, which have been formed by different artists.
The above contents refer to Baidu Encyclopedia-Suzhou Pingtan.