Chang School

Chang Shutian (1890-1945), who was also called Chang Yupei, founded the Chang school. He was born in Beijing as a member of the Manchu ethnic group. His father and uncle were lovers of art and noted amateur performers of the octagonal drum danxian.

At the age of 12, Chang Shutian gave performances as an amateur, turning professional in 1910. He studied under the well-known danxian artist De Shoushan. In a high-pitched voice he sang loudly and articulated each word very clearly. He expressed heroic and grand sentiments. Some of his stories, filled with humor, are light in character. He imitated the voices of other persons and impersonated their behavior.

The way he beat the drum was unique. Artists of later generations learned his way of drum beating and inherited his legacy. The favorite numbers sung by Chang Shutian included Rouge, Tiao Lian Cai Yi, and Golden Mountain Temple.

 Xie School

The Xie school was founded by Xie Ruizhi (1882-1957), who was born in Beijing. An amateur performer of the octagonal drum danxian, he became a professional after being taught by Wang Liushun. Xie Ruizhi had a deep and resonant voice, and was noted for his ingenious and artful vocal music. He created characters with the aid of successfully imitating the voices of different people. He possessed a gentle and refined style. The programs he performed included Gao Lao Zhuang, Chen Xiang Chuang, and Wu Song.

 Tan School

The Tan school was founded by Tan Fengyuan (1898-1964), a member of the Manchu ethnic group and born in Beijing. He inherited the danxian techniques from his own family. Very fond of Jingyun dagu, he studied the art under Liu Baoquan. He created a unique style of singing, with a rich tonal quality, loud presentation, and beautiful melody. His base voice reverberated in the minds of the audiences long after his performances had ended. He was held up as a model for later performers to follow.

The Fisherman's Revenge is one of his famous works. "In Times of Peace" is a section of this program. It deals with Xiao En, who meets Li Jun and Ni Rong, while fishing. The artist sings in a voice that rises steeply to give a vivid depiction of the hero.

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