INTEGRATING TRADITIONAL CULTURE AND MODERN EXPRESSION IN THE NATIONAL OPERA YIMENGSHAN
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Abstract
This article explores the integration of traditional Chinese cultural elements with modern artistic expression in the national opera Yimeng Mountain. Through detailed analysis of musical structure, character development, and stage design, the research illustrates how the opera honors folk traditions while advancing contemporary operatic innovation. The characters, particularly the female protagonist, are portrayed with emotional depth and symbolic richness, highlighting the opera’s emphasis on humanistic values alongside historical narrative. The study also examines the application of the “music-first” creative approach, emphasizing how melody, orchestration, and vocal techniques reflect both regional characteristics and national artistic trends. By synthesizing revolutionary themes with refined artistic methods, Yimeng Mountain stands as a significant work that reflects the evolving identity of Chinese national opera in the 21st century.
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