Traditional Regional Features in Xiangtong Xi Musical Drama
Abstract
This article presents a discussion about Xiangtong Xi (香童戏), a traditional musical theatrical form associated with the Baoshan area of China’s Yunnan province. Xiangtong Xi drama originated from the folk religious and mystical rites of the southwestern regions of China. It organically combines elements such as singing, recitation, acting and martial arts techniques that are characteristic of the musical culture of the region. This genre has its own cult music and traditional performance style. At the same time, supporting and preserving the traditions of their art, Xiangtong Xi artists throughout the history of its existence have developed and continue to develop Xiangtong Xi music by studying the singing melodies and musical styles of other cultures, musical genres and movements and introducing their elements into their performances. The basis for such borrowings is primarily local folk music and songs, as well as other traditional musical genres of the region.
Keywords: Xiangtong Xi, musical drama, ritual music, religious music, Prince’s Chant, Even Chant, Universal Chant, Chant of the Black God, plague god’s chant, percussion instruments
For citation: Li Jianfu (2025). Traditional Regional Features in Xiangtong Xi Musical Drama. Contemporary Musicology, 9(2), 134–150. https://doi.org/10.56620/2587-9731-2025-2-134-150
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.56620/2587-9731-2025-2-134-150
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