The Revolutionary Model Opera, also known as modern Peking opera, emerged from the transformation of traditional Peking opera and is representative of musical theater during the Cultural Revolution (1966.5.16-1976.10.6). It reflects modern Chinese revolutionary themes and characters, imbuing traditional stylized artistic forms of Peking Opera with a distinct strategic characteristic. The Model Opera represents a peculiar phenomenon in the history of Chinese opera, showcasing both the historical memory of the era and possessing unique artistic qualities. After shedding the political vestiges of the “left,” the Revolutionary Model Opera’s distinctive artistic value has withstood historical scrutiny and continues to be transmitted to this day. This paper focuses on the study of the model opera Shachiapang and aims to explore the innovations by Model Operas on the foundation of traditional Peking Opera, and the significance of Model Operas on Chinese and Western music. Following the exchange between Eastern and Western musical cultures, this study will undertake a further analysis and discussion of the societal impacts brought about by the aesthetic evolution resulting from Model Operas, and the aesthetic trends they have spearheaded.

Zijie Xing. The Modernization of Musical Aesthetics in Model Opera. Frontiers in Art Research (2024) Vol. 6, Issue 11: 64-73. https://doi.org/10.25236/FAR.2024.061110.

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