Archive for category Music Instrument
Chime Bells
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Music Instrument on September 13, 2010
Chime bells, called bian zhong in Chinese, is one of the Chinese earliest percussion musical instruments. In ancient times, it was regarded as the symbol of power and was usually performed in the Palace as only people from upper class had chance to appreciate the beautiful music it produced.
The history of Chime can date back to the period of Shang Dynasty (1600BC~1046BC). At that time, it only consisted of three bells. With the development of the times, the numbers of the bells gradually increased. Of all the existing chime bells, the most famous one is the set of Zeng Hou Yi Chime Bells which was produced during the period of Warring States (475BC~221BC). It consists of 65 musical bells and all the bells were made of bronze with exquisite fabrication. It is also regarded as one of the earliest and most extensive surviving groups of ancient musical instruments in the world.
Chime bells consists of a set bells in different sizes. All the bells will be arranged by the order of pitches and often are hung on a huge frame or bell cot. There is a close relation between the size and the tone. Generally, the smaller bell has lower tune while the bigger bell has higher tone. Beautiful tune will be produced when the bells are beat with a wood hammer and a long stick.
In ancient times, Chime bells will be performed during various occasions, such as going on campaigns, being presented at court, making a libation to the ancestors, etc. Nowadays, it has been widely known in China and is loved by the people throughout the world.
Sheng
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Music Instrument on July 28, 2010
Sheng has been one of the Chinese traditional musical instruments and earliest free reed instrument in China. Sheng is the only instrument which can blow harmony in Chinese traditional wind instruments. It is one of the wind instruments with crisp pronunciation, soft sound, etc.
Sheng contains three parts: reed, Sheng Miao (different lengths bamboo on Sheng’s body) and Sheng Dou (connect the mouthpiece on the bottom). Sheng was made of bamboo in ancient times, while it is mostly made of copper nowadays.
The history of Sheng can date back to 3000 years ago. It was quite popular during the period of Spring and Autumn Warring States (770BC~221BC). Later, Sheng reached the Persian through the Silk Road, and then it was introduced to the Europe.
There are lots of moving legends about the origin of Sheng, the most famous one goes that, in Miao (one of the ethnic minorities in China) cottage, there was a very beautiful girl named Bang Que. One day, she met a monster when she was out, when she felt hopeless a hunter appeared and saved her. However, after that, he ran after the monster and then disappeared. Bang was very upset. In order to help her, Bang’s father invented the Sheng. He then taught the young people to play it and before long, most young people could play the Sheng. When the Sheng competition was held, most young men came to attend it, including the young hunter. Bang recognized him at a glance, and then they fell in love with each other and soon got married.
Drum
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Music Instrument on October 10, 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 ancient chinese culture in Music Instrument on September 14, 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 ancient chinese culture in Music Instrument on August 31, 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.
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