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How is Cantonese Opera connected to sound art and identity.

First is the unique usage of language and a special way of grammar than Mandarin. The art form’s distinctive vocal techniques, such as the use of the “Banghuang” and “Erhuang” tunes, convey a wide range of emotions and are integral to its storytelling. The different systems of slang and allusions make it more outstanding in Cantonese. So, Cantonese is not only a language that is widely used, but also a background and memory that is shared in common.

Second is the usage of six sounds and nine tones. Mandarin has only four tones, while Cantonese has nine tones. This is the embodiment of the Cantonese sound art. Due to various tones, it is more sophisticated to write the lyrics and script in Cantonese as it should fulfill the rule that speaking the lyrics should be the same tone as the singing. This requires a thick preparation of vocabulory and allusions.