Zhongguo gudian xiqu lunzhu jicheng 中國古典戲曲論著集成

Zhongguo gudian xiqu lunzhu jicheng 中國古典戲曲論著集成 is a compilation of opera-related writings edited by the Chinese Academy of Traditional Opera (Zhongguo Xiqu Yanjiuyuan 中國戲曲研究院) and published by the China Theatre Press (Zhongguo Xiqu Chubanshe 中國戲曲出版社) in 1959, with a reprint in 1980.

The collection comprises 10 volumes, including 48 works from the Tang 唐 (618-907), Song 宋 (960-1279), Yuan 元 (1279-1368), Ming 明 (1368-1644), and Qing 清 (1644-1911) periods. Among them, 16 works discuss opera creation and critique or perform textual research on playwrights and their works; 13 record playwrights and repertoires from different periods; 4 focus specifically on the phonology, musical notation, and composition of operatic music; 13 explore topics such as anecdotes about the "instruction quarters" (jiaofang 教坊), popular music of the Tang dynasty, the origins of musical modes and tune patterns, tonal systems, vocal theory, and singing techniques; one text details the lives, backgrounds, and performing skills of Yuan-period actors; and one book summarises traditional experiences in the performing arts of ancient Chinese opera. The collection thus covers a broad range of topics, including opera theory, critiques of playwrights, and phonology and musical notation.

The collection is organised chronologically and includes classic works such as Jiaofangji 教坊記, Luguibu 錄鬼簿, and Xianqing ouji 閑情偶寄, as well as rare and unique texts like Guwulu 顧誤錄 by Wang Dehui 王德輝 and Xu Yuan 徐沅 (born 1880), Huabu nongtan 花部農譚 by Jiao Xun 焦循 (1763-1820) or Liyuanyuan 梨園原, revised, supplemented, and edited by Qiuquan Jushi 秋泉居士 (i.e., Ye Yuanqing 葉元清). Each treatise is accompanied by an abstract (tiyao 提要) summarising the author’s biography, the main contents, and the textual history of the work.

Since the compilation is arranged in chronological order, it broadly reveals the developmental features and artistic achievements of Chinese opera across different historical periods. Although only a few of the included works are systematic theoretical writings on opera, most serve as valuable documentary sources, while some are informal notes and miscellaneous reflections.