northern tunes; northern drama of the Yuan dynasty
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
northern tunes; a collective term for the musical modes used in northern Chinese song-suites and drama from the Song-Yuan period onward
formalCharacterized by a vigorous, straightforward, and rustic style. This is a technical term in the study of Chinese traditional music and drama.
The melodies of northern tunes are usually bold and unrestrained.
This work blends elements of northern and southern tunes.
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To study ancient Chinese music, one must understand northern tunes.
noun
northern drama; a genre of Chinese opera popular in northern China during the Yuan dynasty
formalRefers specifically to the theatrical form, as opposed to just the musical tunes. Often used interchangeably with 'Yuan drama' or 'Zaju' in a broad sense. See the entry for '杂剧' for more details.
Guan Hanqing is a representative playwright of northern Yuan drama.
Northern Yuan drama had a profound influence on the development of Chinese opera.
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The script of this play is a classic example of northern Yuan drama.