Xianxiao (Xining Xianxiao)

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

Applicant: Xining City, Qinghai Province

Item No.: 255

Project No.: V - 19

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: quyi

Region: Qinghai Province

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Xining City, Qinghai Province

Protection unit: Xining Cultural Center

Brief introduction of Xianxiao (Xining Xianxiao)

Applicant: Xining City, Qinghai Province

Xianxiao in Xining is popular in the eastern agricultural area of Qinghai Province with Xining as the center. It was formed in the middle of Ming Dynasty. It is named for the theme of abandoning evil and promoting good, showing filial piety and persuading.

The main accompaniment instrument used by Xianxiao in Xining is Sanxian, sometimes Banhu. During the performance, men and women sing together, often with men playing Banhu and women playing Sanxian. If one person sings, he will play and sing with three strings in his arms. Xianxiao performance is not limited by the environment. It can be performed from house to house, in courtyard tea houses, fields and other occasions, or in weddings and funerals. Singing tunes include Da Xian Xiao Diao, Xiao Xian Xiao Diao, Xiao Qu and so on. Its music tunes and melody structure are unique in Xining. The aria is divided into three parts: the front part, the main part and the back part. Although the main melody is only four sentences, it can be modified in rhythm and melody according to the content and emotional needs. The singers of Xianxiao in Xining are mainly folk artists. Their traditional repertoire is rich and colorful, with a wide range of contents. Most of them are the theme of good advice. Important works such as "white parrot hanging filial piety", "Zhao Wuniang eating chaff" and "Fang siniang" all come from the treasures of Ming and Qing Dynasties, which are very precious. At present, more than 100 pieces have been collected, which can be roughly divided into romance, legend, supernatural, persuasion, life story and so on. The representative pieces are "Luhuaji", "Li Cuilian hanging", "White Ape stealing peach" and so on.

Xining Xianxiao reflects the history, culture, living conditions and people's ideals and wishes of ancient Qinghai from many angles, which has important reference value in the study of local history and culture. Nowadays, virtuous and filial artists are generally old and dying one after another. This ancient art has no successors and a large amount of data has been lost. It is on the verge of extinction. It is urgent to rescue and protect it.