A sound recording of the Li Chuen Yuan’s history is selected from the Li Chuen Yuan’s collection of almost two hundred types of acoustic data. Selected songs (operas), such as Grab the Baton, were reorganized and published based on their academic value.Content of the publication includes the content...Read more
A sound recording of the Li Chuen Yuan’s history is selected from the Li Chuen Yuan’s collection of almost two hundred types of acoustic data. Selected songs (operas), such as Grab the Baton, were reorganized and published based on their academic value.Content of the publication includes the content and forms of performances, which can be further divided into records of performances, scenes during practices and rehearsal, as well as demonstrations and explanations for the purpose of teaching and giving instructions.Through the Li Chuen Yuan’s historical memory, which is permeated with vibrant music and experiences of active participation in a particular historical period, one can gain an insight into historical scenes pertaining to the phenomenon of sounds from the Beiguan music tradition. The publication includes tunes from six operas: Grab the Baton, Chop the Melon, Chop the Shadow, Lo Yang Song, Thinking of Pan, and New Cave of the God of Thunder.
Please refer to A Legend Behind the Rabbit Hunting Journey for the complete storyline of Grab the Baton. Main characters in Grab the Baton include the third Madame (the main female character) and Liu Gao (a young male character, as a “flat tune” was the major tune of singing throughout the show. The show tells the story of Liu Gao, who returns home drunk and tells his wife about a plan for dividing the family’s wealth. Aware that the family’s melon patch has been haunted by evil melon spirits for many years, Liu Gao’s older brother and sister-in-law intend to give the melon patch to Liu Gao. Oblivious to his brother and sister-in-law’s devious plan, Liu Gao promises to go to the melon patch to eliminate the melon spirits. When Liu Gao tells his wife (the third Madame) about his plan to go to the patch, his wife fears for Liu Gao’s safety and thus tries to persuade Liu Gao not to go. However, Liu Gao is relentless in his decision. To deter Liu Gao from leaving the house, the third Madame grabs Liu Gao’s baton only to find out that Liu Gao still manages to sneak out amidst their wrestling. This show is a typical show involving only two characters: one sheng(young male character) and one dan(young female character).
Category | Music |
Type | Beiguan |
Chinese Title | 劉知遠白兔記〈奪棍〉 |
Group | Li Chuen Yuan |
Subtitle | Mandarin Chinese |
Duration | 21min40sec |
Image Source | Li Chuen Yuan, Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China |
Other Works | Lo-Yang Music 2013 Ceremonies and Festivities to Celebrate Lord Xi-Chin’s Birthday by Changhua Li Chuen Yuan Remove the Combat Vest |