Posted 2016/7/11
Dongbei Dagu 东北大鼓, which was formed in the mid-Qing Dynasty(1644-1911), consists of songs accompanied by drums and is mainly found in Liaoning,Jilin, and Hei Longjiang provinces in northeastern China. It was originally performed by a singer accompanied by a san xian (a three-stringed plucked instrument), tied to his or her leg. Later, the performance was performed by two people. One sung in the Dongbei dialect and played dagu while the other played the san xian or other instruments.
In early times, Dongbei Dagu was very popular in rural areas. The melodies are local and the lyrics rough. . At the end of the 19th century it entered urban areas; and then in the beginning of 20th century, large numbers of female singers joined the ranks accompanied by male singers.
More new programs about real life appeared after the founding of the P. R. C. Dongbei Dagu played an important role in entertainment and its texts and music also affected other kinds of art. However Dongbei Dagu audiences have largely changed since the end of 20th century; and the art form needs urgent protection
