Xianxiao (Liangzhou Xianxiao)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: Xianxiao (Liangzhou Xianxiao)

Applicant: Wuwei City, Gansu Province

Item No.: 255

Project No.: V - 19

Time of publication: 2006 (the first batch)

Category: quyi

Region: Gansu Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Wuwei City, Gansu Province

Protected by: Liangzhou Cultural Center

Brief introduction of Xianxiao (Liangzhou Xianxiao)

Applicant: Wuwei City, Gansu Province

Liangzhou Xianxiao, also known as "Liangzhou good advice book", is an ancient and long-standing folk art storytelling form, which is widely distributed in urban and rural areas of Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, as well as some areas of Gulang, Minqin and Yongchang County, Jinchang city. According to relevant historical data, its formation history can be traced back to the end of Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of Ming Dynasty at least.

In history, most of the singers of Liangzhou Xianxiao were blind, and they were taught by teachers and apprentices. Its main content is to perform the stories of heroes and sages, martyrs and ladies, filial sons and grandchildren, emperors and generals, gifted scholars and beauties. It contains the purposes of concealing evil and promoting good, telling the time and persuading the world, retribution and filial piety, so it is called "virtuous filial piety".

The performance form of Liangzhou Xianxiao is one person's own accompaniment, that is, speaking, chanting and accompaniment are generally completed by one person. The libretto language is mainly Liangzhou dialect, which is easy to understand and humorous. During the performance, the artists communicate with the audience and improvise, often with witty remarks.

Liangzhou Xianxiao's music singing is very rich, and retains many ancient tunes, both "Liangzhou Zadiao", but also absorbed the local folk tunes.

With the development of society, for a period of time, the audience base of Liangzhou Xianxiao is gradually losing, and there is no fixed place for performance. In addition, the artists are in short supply, and their survival is facing a test. The development of this ancient form of folk art is very difficult, and it is in urgent need of support and protection.