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BeijingDanxian(Monochord), also known asDanxianpaiziqu, originated in China's capital. It is a form ofBajiaogupopular among young Manchu people during the reigns of the Emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing (1736-1820) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

It is accompanied on a stringed instrument and an octagonal drum. The performer sings and plays the drum to please himself as much as to please others. The small drum is covered with snakeskin, with holes on seven sides. Two brass strips are attached to each hole. When the storyteller shakes the drum, the brass strips resound. The earliest song known to this genre is calledThe Drunkardfrom Bai Xue Yi Ying written by Hua Guangsheng in 1804 (third volume).

The well-known artist Ma Zenghui performing Danxian

In the beginning, performances of Danxian consisted of one artist, who beat the octagonal drum to provide rhythm, and a musician playing three-stringed lute and singing. Si Ruixuan, whose stage name was Sui Yuanle and who was a member of a Manchu Banner, wrote songs and lyrics for BeijingDanxianaround 1880. He performed in teahouses. Ever since,Danxianhas been popular as an independent category ofQuyi.

When the Qing Dynasty collapsed in 1911 and the Republic of China came into being, many amateurDanxianartists who were Manchu by birth became professional singers. They were well received by the audiences. Those who were steeped in popular folk songs sangDanxianon the stage as did those who were good at renderingKunqu Opera'shigh-pitched arias, which were incorporated intoDanxian. This increased the number ofDanxianprograms and the power of the art to express emotions. Eventually, a total of more than 100 performances ofDanxianappeared, as it blossomed during this period. Four schools came into being -- the Rong, Chang, Xie and Tan.

The Schools ofDanxian

1. The Rong School was formed by Rong Jianchen (1881-1958), a Manchu by birth. His full name in Manchu was Guan Erjia Rongxun, alias Jianchen, written in two different ways. As an amateur he studied under Ming Yongshun in 1901 and then became a professional performer. He adopted the high-pitched arias of Peking Opera, and developed his own style ofDanxian. His voice was sweet, mellow and clear He acted and sang very well, and his dialogues were very touching and detailed. HisXi Hou,Feng Bo TingandCourtesan's Jewel Boxhad the greatest artistic appeal.

2. The Chang School was founded by Chang Shutian (1890-1945), who was also called Chang Yupei. 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 drumDanxian. At the age of 12, Chang Shutian gave performances as an amateur, turning professional in 1910. He studied under the well-knownDanxianartist 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 includeRouge,Tiao Lian Cai YiandGolden Mountain Temple.

3. The Xie School was founded by Xie Ruizhi (1882-1957), who was born in Beijing. An amateur performer of the octagonal drumDanxian,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 the voices of different people, which he successfully imitated. He possessed a gentle and refined style. The programs he performed includedGao Lao Zhuang,Chen Xiang ChuangandWu Song.

4. The Tan School was founded by Tan Fengyuan (1898-1964), a member of the Manchu ethnic group and born in Beijing. He inherited theDanxiantechniques from his own family. Very fond ofJingyun Daguhe 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 Revengeis one of his famous works.In Times of Peaceis 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.

Danxiangets its themes mostly from famous Chinese novels --Strange Tales of Liaozhai,Strange Tales New and OldandOutlaws of the Marsh. The better-known numbers are:Rouge,The Courtesan's Jewel BoxandWu Shihui. Some reflect the life styles of people at different periods of history.The Poor Woman's Visit to the Wanshou Templedescribes the life of the people at the end of the Qing Dynasty, andQiu Jin Rises in Rebelliondescribes conditions in the early years of the Republic of China.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China,Danxiandeveloped further. New programs were written and performed, while changes were made in vocal music and performance. The duet of male and female voices was introduced, and the singing of many songs continuously was a significant feature. The leading singers were Cao Baolu, Shi Huiru, Zhao Yuming and Ma Zenghui. Amateurs became active again after the 1980s. A large number of works reflecting the realistic life emerged.Danxianalso spread from north China to some cities in east and southwest China.