Kunqu
/ˈkʊn.tʃuː/noun
A refined traditional form of Chinese opera that originated in the Kunshan region of Jiangsu.
Did you know?Kunqu was officially recognized by UNESCO in 2001 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and its singing tradition strongly influenced later Chinese opera.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 16th Century
Chinese
昆山
“Kunshan, a locality in present-day Jiangsu associated with the tradition’s origin”
16th Century
Chinese
昆山腔
“Kunshan style or Kunshan vocal manner, the earlier name for the regional operatic tradition”
16th Century
Chinese
崑曲
“Kunqu; literally, the Kunshan melody or song style”
Late Ming Dynasty
Chinese
昆曲
“A highly refined operatic form shaped through musical and vocal innovations, especially those associated with Wei Liangfu”
17th–19th Centuries
Chinese
昆曲
“A prestigious theatrical tradition performed in literary, courtly, and regional settings”
Modern English
English
Kunqu
“The established English name for this classical Chinese opera tradition”