Archive for category Music Instrument
Drum
Posted by sharon in Music Instrument on October 10th, 2009
Though the origin of the drum is still unknown, it is an important musical instrument in ancient China. The earliest known record of the application of drums can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (1600B.C.-1100B.C.).
As time goes by, this old art form undergoes great changes. It borrows and assimilates other artistic forms and expressions and becomes various in different regions.
It is applied in almost every aspect of Chinese social life, such as sacrificial and worshiping ceremonies, farming, warfare, etc. It can produce different visual impacts: sometimes it gives off a sense of invincible might; sometimes it produces graceful dancing steps.
Banhu
Posted by sharon in Music Instrument on September 14th, 2009
The banhu, also called banghu or qinhu, is a Chinese traditional instrument in the huqin family of instruments. It was developed with the appearance of the local opera and has a history of more than 300 years.
As an accompanying instrument for many regional operas and popular narratives, it is quite popular in northern China. It got the name of banghu because it is often used in the northern Bangzi opera.
The construction of banhu is similar to that of erhu, but the main difference is that instead of using animal skin, banhu uses a thick wooden board to cover the sound box.
With clear and bright timbre, it is good at expressing joyful and passionate mood.
Suona
Posted by sharon in Music Instrument on August 31st, 2009
The suona, also called laba in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese instrument. It was introduced to China more than 700 years ago in the Jin and Yuan Dynasties.
It has a conical wooden body and uses tubular brass or copper bocal to which a small double reed is affixed, and possesses a detachable metal bell at its end. Due to its large volume and strident, penetrating tine quality, it is good at the ardent and lively style, especially for the imitation of the singing of hundreds of birds.
It is an important instrument in northern China, especially the provinces of Shandong and Henan. It is commonly used for solos or ensembles in funeral, wedding, or other ceremonies and celebrations. Most of the times, it is used in combination with sheng mouth organs, gongs, drums and other instruments.
Click here to appreciate the classic tune Bai Niao Chao Feng.
Recent Comments