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
昆曲是中国古老的戏曲声腔、剧种，起源于14世纪元末明初的江苏昆山地区，后经顾坚（约1368）等人整理加工，明嘉靖年间又经魏良辅（1489—1566）改良后走向全国，成为中国传统戏剧艺术中最重要的一种戏剧形式。
昆曲表演注重身段动作的优美与音乐的和谐，伴奏乐器以曲笛为主，辅以笙、箫等，角色分工细致。其剧目丰富多彩，以传奇为主，唱词华丽典雅，曲调清柔婉转，舞姿细腻优美，武功技术卓绝，表演情真意切，具有诗的意境、画的风采，融诗、乐、歌、舞、戏于一体的艺术表现形式， 堪称戏曲表演的最高境界，对中国近代戏剧发展产生巨大影响。流传至今的昆曲代表性剧目有《牡丹亭》《玉簪记》《长生殿》等。
昆曲表演艺术是中国戏曲艺术的精华，在中国戏曲史、文学史、音乐史上都占有重要的地位，享有“百戏之祖”的美誉。2008年，“昆曲”列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录。
