3.0 out of 5 stars
The Monkey King, August 18, 2008
This review is from: China: Monkey King (Audio CD)
Peking Opera is an acquired taste. With the screeching, tonal, high-pitched singing, it makes even Western opera look (and sound) accessible and ear-friendly. It's more of a challenge when the experience is merely sonic, instead of in the theater.
"The Monkey King" is the operatic version of the beloved Chinese epic "Journey to the West." In it,the lead (the Monkey King,of course) goes on a quest to find Buddhist documents in the West (India) From the Buddhist perspective, the West is paradise. "The Monkey King" tells of the adventures of the simian king and his animal friends.
"The World of Peking Opera" is a beginner's ear to the ground with this traditional Chinese art. There are excerpts from Monkey King and other operas. Unfortunately, the liner notes don't explain much. It's interesting,as a musical work. It's a journey into the East.
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