Suzhou Pingtan

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　　Suzhou Pingtan is a general term denoting Suzhou Pinghua and Tanci, namely, storytelling and ballad singing in the Suzhou dialect. Flourishing in Suzhou of Jiangsu Province, it also enjoys great popularity in neighboring Zhejiang Province and Shanghai.

　　Suzhou Pingtan is known for its story telling, joke cracking, music playing and aria singing. It is performed solo, in duet or as a trio, and involves singing and storytelling. The small three-stringed plucked instrument and Pipa (lute) are used as accompaniments. The Ban, or wooden clappers, produces various styles of tone and melody.