Dé yīn róngyì; dé yùn nán.

得音容易, 得韻難。

Lit [In learning to sing Chinese opera] getting the sounds right is easier than getting the flavor right.

Fig In learning (artistic expression), it's easier to get the form right than to get the spirit right.

Note [This is a quotation from a famous Beijing opera singer, Tan Fuyin; note: yùnwèi, “pleasing quality”; “charm (of singing).”]

Topics ARTISTIC EXPRESSION Beijing opera LEARNING OPERA SINGING Tan_Fuyin