Introduction of Excerpts

Soubaan

Soubaan is under the category of aria type; its rhythm is rubato but there is a fixed ending note at each and every pause of each period. There are two types of phrase structure of the lyrics, one is seven-word sentence with two pauses and ten-word sentence with three pauses. Soubaan can be sung in the musical systems of bongzhi and yiwong. It is usual to sing the soubaan before the major role enters; the function of soubaan is to describe the plot.

Kwanfaa

Kwanfaa is another type of music under the category of aria type. Its rhythm is rubato with free tempo. However, there is a fixed note at each and every versus. Kwanfaa can be sung in the musical systems of bongzi and yiwong. It can be categorized as kwanfaa and cheunggui kwanfaa (which includes more verses). Kwanfaa is a singing format in a reciting style, which is commonly seen in Cantonese opera.

Fixed tune: Seoisinzi



It is a traditional fixed tune formed in three short sections. Between sections there are interludes. It is used to play by the sonaap and percussion. The acoustics of the tune is loud and magnificent, normally used to illustrate the military scene.

Yinghungbaak

Yinghungbaak is a speech for mighty and powerful expression. In general there are four lines with five or seven words in every line. The final words of the first, second and fourth lines are rhyme. There is a percussion pattern after reciting every line. After the final line, the artist needs to shout “ai-ya” with a mighty voice.

Lohgubaak

Lohgubaak is the speech for intense scenes or to express furiousness. The tempo tends to be fast with strong volume. The sentences are relatively short without rhyme. There is a percussion pattern right after reciting every sentence in order to strengthen the expression.

Plain speech

The plain speech is colloquial speech without any music or percussion accompaniment.

Lo Faa Dong

(Four soldiers enters with flags.)

ZHANG FEI (enters).

[Yinghung baak]

Wearing a straw hat, sandals, and a fisherman cap, I have a panther-like face with strong force. I ride on my Wujui horse with a spear of eighteen feet. I am Zhang Fei, a general of the Han Dynasty. I take the order from our Prime Minister to guard Lo Faa Dong with my troop. Zhou Yu is expected to retreat through here. I will stab you down from your horse and kill you. How nice! Oh no, no. The Prime Minister has ordered that I cannot kill him. Why? Why? I remember that, the Prime Minister said that Mr. Zhou has achieved many credits at Saamkong Hahau, thus he should not be killed. Fellows, when meeting Mr. Zhou, follow my instruction. Bring me my horse, bring me my spear. Come on (riding on horse). (The four soldiers follow him and leave the stage.)

ZHOU YU (sings at the backstage).

[Soubaan]

I, Zhou Gungjin, have been trapped by Zhuge Liang.

ZHOU YU (enters with chung tau, sings).

[Kwan faa, starting with the lower phrase]

I regret to pretend invading the country of Gwik. Unexpectedly, Zhuge Liang penetrated and took precautions. I have been fighting exhausted and lost a few of my generals. I am alone with my horse and retreating. What I can do now is to urge my horse to the east. ZHOU YU (walks yuen toi).

[Kwan faa, starting with the lower phrase]

There is a bridge. I just urge the horse to cross the bridge heading east. (Dismounts and gets on the bridge. Other generals fight and lose, leave the stage.) ZHOU YU

[Kwan faa, starting with the lower phrase]

Gam Ling and Hon Dong are scattered. Helplessly, I have to retreat to Lo Faa Dong. (ZHOU YU gets off bridge and on horse. ZHANG FEI enters with walking yuen toi and percussion pattern zong dim)

ZHOU YU (sui bo long).

[Kwan faa, starting with the lower phrase]

I just see a big guy. Tell me, who are you?

ZHANG FEI

[Kwan faa]

You ask me for my name. Zhang Fei, I am a killer.

ZHOU YU

[Plain speech]

Oh dear! (sui bo long)

ZHOU YU

[Kwan fa, starting with the lower phrase]

Liu Bei has Zhuge Liang as his military adviser. His Eight Trigrams are so intelligent! Zhou Zilung is hiding somewhere; he was a great general at Sheung Shan. Come from the east is Wong Jung the old general, whose archery can kill from far. Come from the west is General Wei Yin, who is young and even stronger than me. Here I am at Lo Faa Dong and meet ZHANG Fei the killer. Helplessly, I have to retreat back to Chai Song. (As he tried to escape.)

ZHANG FEI (holds the horse)

[Plain speech]

Will you dismount?

ZHOU YU

[Plain speech]

What can you do with me if I don’t?

ZHANG FEI

[Plain speech]

If you don’t, I pull you down.

ZHANG FEI

[Kwan faa]

My spear will kill you. (Fighting.)

ZHOU YU

[Plain speech]

I should not come here. I should not come here.

ZHOU YU

[Sings the fixed tune, Sui Sin Ji]

Fighting so severely. It is difficult to win. I have to retreat. (Action accompanied by percussion pattern soen si)

ZHOU YU

[Sui Sin Ji, second theme]

General, do not show off your strength. Do you know how Hong Yu died at Wu Gong years ago? (Action accompanied by percussion pattern soen si, stop fighting.)

ZHOU YU

[Sui Sin Ji, third theme]

Crying and crying. My tears are running.

ZHANG FEI

[Plain speech]

Zhou Yu, do not blame anyone. I have to kill you. (Fighting.)

ZHANG FEI

[Plain speech]

Chou Yu, I should kill you. However, our Military Adviser said that you have achieved a little success at the Sam Kong Ha Hau. So we cannot kill you. Get up and we fight again. (Fighting)

ZHANG FEI

[Plain speech]

Wake up, wake up, Zhou Yu. (Fighting again. Zhou Yu loses and vomits with blood. Leaves the stage.)

“The End”