英文摘要
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The first pop song in Taiwanese language, 'The-hue-khip-hue-ki' (Weeping Peach Blossoms), was recorded and released in 1932. During this period, it was common to apply a neat, regular form and a 'couplet' structure to Taiwanese pop songs. Melodies were repeated in every section, creating a strong folk music atmosphere. At that time, popular music was played in indoor Taiwanese operas as 'new tunes,' together with traditional opera music. This phenomenon continued into the post-war years as performing pop songs created a fresh and different look for Taiwanese opera, which became an attraction for audiences of commercial theatres. While Taiwanese opera in radio and television broadcasts developed prosperously in the post-war period, the need for new tunes enhanced the use of popular music in Taiwanese opera. Moreover, the growing production of new repertoires encouraged the pursuit of innovative changes in Taiwanese opera music. The freshness of pop songs inspired actors in their performances and was welcomed by audiences. In particular, pop songs were increasingly applied in the new creation 'O-peila- hi,' which contributed to the competitiveness of Taiwanese opera among all popular forms of entertainment. The continuous interchange between Taiwanese opera and popular music made the content of pop song lyrics or the mood of the songs deeply integrated into Taiwanese opera performances. This article intends to demonstrate the phenomenon of employing pop songs in Taiwanese opera in three stages: 1) Taiwanese opera in the Japanese colonial period; 2) indoor Taiwanese opera in the post-war years; and, 3) outdoor 'O-pei-la-hi.' In addition, factors that motivated the interchange between Taiwanese opera ad pop songs are analyzed. Such factors include the following three aspects: first, a similarity of singing methods aided the incorporation of new songs into Taiwanese opera; second, 'improvised performance' opened new opportunities for the development of popular music; and third, the demand for 'commerciality' within mass culture promoted the connection between pop songs and theatrical performances. From the perspective of the evolution of Taiwanese opera, it can be observed that it was 'inevitable' that pop songs would be integrated into Taiwanese opera performances, and as time passed, pop songs became 'indispensable' for Taiwanese opera music. It is no doubt a significant feature that Taiwanese opera underwent a change from absorbing folk
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