Kunqu
Kunqu, an ancient form of Chinese opera dating back to the 14th century during the late Yuan (1206-1368) and early Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, originated in the Kunshan region of Jiangsu province. It was refined and developed by Gu Jian and others (c. 1368). During the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, Wei Liangfu (1489-1566) further refined Kunqu, enabling it to achieve national recognition as the most esteemed form of Chinese drama.
Kunqu's exquisite performances emphasize graceful movements and harmonious music. The primary instrument in the Kunqu orchestra is the qudi, a bamboo flute with bone endcaps. The orchestra also employs other instruments, such as the sheng, a mouth-blown polyphonic free reed instrument, and the xiao, a vertical end-blown flute. Roles in Kunqu plays are thoughtfully designed for each performer, and the repertoire covers a broad range of genres, with legends being the most popular. The performances involve elegant lyrics, melodious music, delicate dances, and impressive martial arts skills. Kun- qu's artistry involves poetry, music, singing, dance, and theater, and is regarded as the highest form of traditional Chinese drama. Kunqu has greatly influenced the development of modern Chinese drama, and several notable plays, such as the Peony Pavilion, the Jade Hairpin, and the Palace of Eternal Life, have been passed down to the present day.
As the quintessential form of Chinese opera, Kunqu holds a significant place in the history of Chinese theatre, literature, and music. It is revered as the "mother of Chinese operas." In 2008, Kunqu was included in the Representative List of the In- tangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
昆曲
昆曲是中國古老的戲曲聲腔、劇種，起源于14世紀元末明初的江蘇昆山地區，后經顧堅（約1368）等人整理加工，明嘉靖年間又經魏良輔（1489—1566）改良后走向全國，成為中國傳統戲劇藝術中最重要的一種戲劇形式。
昆曲表演注重身段動作的優美與音樂的和諧，伴奏樂器以曲笛為主，輔以笙、簫等，角色分工細致。其劇目豐富多彩，以傳奇為主，唱詞華麗典雅，曲調清柔婉轉，舞姿細膩優美，武功技術卓絕，表演情真意切，具有詩的意境、畫的風采，融詩、樂、歌、舞、戲于一體的藝術表現形式， 堪稱戲曲表演的最高境界，對中國近代戲劇發展產生巨大影響。流傳至今的昆曲代表性劇目有《牡丹亭》《玉簪記》《長生殿》等。
昆曲表演藝術是中國戲曲藝術的精華，在中國戲曲史、文學史、音樂史上都占有重要的地位，享有“百戲之祖”的美譽。2008年，“昆曲”列入聯合國教科文組織人類非物質文化遺產代表作名錄。
