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Beijing Tune Drum (京韵大鼓 Jingyun Drum) was an audio
art form popular in Tianjin and
Beijing. It's normally performed by one person who narrates
a story in a melodic fashion and through role playing method
while beating a drum to tune the rhythm and control the
speed.
Luo Yusheng (骆玉笙) was a native Shanghai
girl but became a monumental figure in Jingyun Drum
art field with a performing career expanded for nearly
70 years. The above two video clips were recorded when
she was in her advanced 80s.
The Song of Dignity
正气歌
Wen Tianxiang was a winner of
the top scholar prize in the Southern Song Dynasty. When Chinese kingdom was destroyed by the Mongols,
Wen led a fierce military
resistance to colonial
forces. But his
heroic attempt was failed and he was captured by the enemies.
During the three years living behind the bars, he was repeatedly
solicited by his former colleague, who had surrendered
to the invaders, to agree to serve the new lord. Wen
rejected out right and determined to die with dignity.
On the way to meet his fate, he composed a poem titled The
Song of Dignity, that has become one of the most frequently cited
classics in Chinese literature. In the poem, there are
two lines that are particularly cherished by Chinese people:
人生自古谁无死，留取丹心照汗青。
Everyone
must die, let me but leave a loyal heart shining in the
pages of history.
Beat the Drum to Denunciate
the Evil Prime Minister
击鼓骂曹
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