A Study On The Status Of Gong Tianting And Zhang Kejiu,the "Lesser Masters" Of Yuan Qu

Among the numerous composers in Yuan Dynasty,apart from the “six masters” of Yuan Qu,there were still some composers with important value and status.This paper attempts to comprehensively consider the “lesser masters” in addition to the “six masters”,from the aspects of opera works,opera anthology,opera theory and opera history.And the “lesser masters” namely,Gong Tianting and Zhang Kejiu,who are inferior to the “six masters”but superior to other composers,in the field of Za Ju and San Qu within the scope of Yuan Qu.The intention shows that while paying attention to “the best masters” of Yuan Qu,we should also pay attention to other composers besides “the best masters”.This paper is divided into five parts.The introduction part mainly defines the evaluation basis of “lesser master” of Yuan Qu,and the criteria for selecting Gong Tianting and Zhang Kejiu,and summarizes the current research status of the academic circle,the research ideas and methods of this paper.The first chapter mainly summarizes the works of Gong Tianting and Zhang Kejiu.The achievement of a composer is inseparable from the value of his works.While discussing the content,reception and value of Gong Tianting’s and Zhang Kejiu’s works,we also recognize that there are flaws and deficiencies in their compositions.The second chapter mainly discusses the spread of Gong Tianting’s and Zhang Kejiu’s works in opera anthology.The process of Yuan Qu spreading is the process of being accepted and recognized.Through the collection of Gong Tianting’s and Zhang Kejiu’s works in various opera anthologies,we can see the circulation of their works,and compare them with the collection of Yuan dynasty composers,so as to discuss their value.The third chapter mainly discusses the comments of Gong Tianting and Zhang Kejiu in different periods.Opera critic’s comments provide important reference value for the positioning of composer’ achievements.Gong Tianting and Zhang Kejiu have been highly appraised by digital opera critics from the Yuan Dynasty to the modern times,and they are also the ones who have been selected by many opera critics in addition to the “six masters”.The fourth chapter comprehensively discusses the status and value of “lesser masters” from an overall perspective.First of all,Gong Tianting and Zhang Kejiu are placed in the background of the masters of the Yuan Dynasty and the development of the history of Yuan Qu.They are the most valuable and accomplished composers besides the “six masters”,which can be called “lesser masters”.Secondly,combined with the development of the history of Yuan Qu and the position of the masters of Yuan Qu in the period of Yuan Qu,the positioning of Gong Tianting and Zhang Kejiu as “lesser masters” can further explain the balance of the development of Yuan Qu.