Singing across the centuries

Artist's exploration of Yuan Dynasty genre brings the popular side of ancient culture to modern life, Chen Nan reports.

In the spring of 2024, celebrated singer Gong Linna embarked on an exciting new musical journey to breathe fresh life into an ancient art form: yuanqu. The genre, popular during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), is known for its colloquial language and accessibility, an intriguing mix of songs and drama that resonated deeply with everyday people at the time.

The Yuan period saw the rise of famous plays like The Romance of the Western Chamber by Wang Shifu and Dou E Yuan (Injustice to Dou E) by Guan Hanqing, both of which belong to the yuanzaju genre, and captivated audiences across China. Masters like Guan Hanqing and Bai Pu composed numerous sanqu (scattered lyrics) and xiaoling (short songs) that showcased the emotional depth and popularity of yuanqu — a genre that was equal parts entertainment and cultural reflection.

Inspired by this tradition, Gong teamed up with a group of talented musicians, ranging from traditional Chinese opera artists to contemporary composers and instrumentalists. The result is a new album, Gong Linna Sings Yuanqu, which blends the essence of this ancient genre with modern musical sensibilities, creating a bridge between the centuries.