Introduction

Cantonese Opera music consists of innumerable melodies and tunes. Unlike European opera where the composer of the music is important, in Cantonese opera the music is not as important as - the lyrics .

In Cantonese opera the writers put words into a pool of melodies and tunes. A song may contain many melodies, and it is up to the singer to add his or her own personal variation and style to the melody when singing. The singing must be combined with music.

Traditional Chinese instruments such as the Erwu, Flute, and percussion, make up the Cantonese Opera orchestra. The percussion alone consists of many different drums and cymbals. The percussion is responsible for the overall rhythm and pace of the music, while the Erwu leads the orchestra. Now, Cantonese opera has incorporated many western instruments such as saxophone and even violin which are often used in place of the Erwu.