Criticism on SHEN Jing and TANG Xian-zu

Modern criticism on SHEN Jing is somewhat unfair, for he who used to be as famous as TANG Xian-zu has become the negative textbook. They are both famous because SHEN Jing compiled a musical work Nanjiugongshisandiao Score, and TANG Xian-zu wrote a splendid Peony Pavilion. The former emphasizes music and the latter emphasizes literature. Most modern scholars prefer TANG to Shen and they are actually prefer literature to music. Literature and music can not be compared. In the history of Chinese Xiqu opera, they are of the equal importance and can not be separated. Equal attention should be paid to their achievement and influence.