潮剧"玉堂春"之"王金龙命中不幸"
许惠珊演唱
Aria entitled "The Tragic Fate of Wang Jinlong" from the classic Chaozhou opera "Yu Tang Chun", performed by Xu Huishan.
There is scant information on Ms Xu, except that she used to perform for the Second Company of the Rao Ping Chaozhou Opera Troupe (饶平潮剧2团). She sings a heart-wrenching rendition of the famous aria in this clip.
The opera "Yu Tang Chun" (玉堂春) is based on the classic tale of the steadfast love between a scholar who has been disowned by his family and his faithful courtesan lover. Both have to undergo many trials and tribulations before being reunited in blissful marriage.
In this aria, Wang Jinlong (王金龙), the wealthy scholar turns pauper, bemoans his fate. He recalls the beautiful days spent with his beloved Su-san (苏三) and bemoans the suffering he undergoes as a pauper.
This is a popular aria which has a very typical "Teochewish" feel to its tune and backup chorals. Please enjoy it.