| Instruments are classed into 4 categories in a Chinese
orchestra.
|
|
Instruments listed on this page:
|
|
 |
General Orchestra Layout
The layout of today's Chinese orchestra is very similar to that of the
symphony orchestra. The number of players in an orchestra can vary from
a minimum of 20 to as many as 100. The orchestra is divided into 4
sections, classified by the type of instruments, namely the woodwind,
sting, plucked string and percussion. A few western instruments have
also been incorporated into the orchestra, like the cello and the
double bass that provided the lower notes which are necessary for a
better instrumental blend.
Basically, Chinese musical instruments are catergorised by the method
of their sound production. Thus, woodwind instruments are blown,
plucking instruments are plucked, stringed instruments are bowed and
percussion instruments are struck. |
|
Back to Top
|
|
|
Gaohu
This instrument is chiefly used in Cantonese music. It is also the main
accompanied instrument in Cantonese opera. The sound box is covered
with snake skin . Its two strings give a fine delicate and graceful
sound when struck.
Banhu
The banhu is another two-string Chinese bowed instrument. Its sound box
is covered with a thin slice of wood. Its tone is clear and articulate.
The instrument is widely used in Chinese orchestras and it comes in
three sizes, the mezzo, the soprano and the alto. The instrument is
widely used for accompanying operatic performances.
Erhu
The erhu is also known as the nanhu, nan being south, because the
instrument first became popular in southern China. It is capable of
producing a gentle but firm tone.
Zhonghu
The zhonghu produces music of a lower pitch. The shade of the resonator
varies from circular to octagonal.
Dagehu/Diyingehu
Both the dagehu and diyingehu are bass string equivalents of the cello
and double bass, however, the resonator of the gehu is mounted with a
membrane of a snake.Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
Zheng
Zheng was popular during the Warring States. The instrument comprises
13 to 21 strings the tone qualities of the Zheng is Mellow and clear;
it's a very popular solo instrument. In the orchestra, the zheng is
employed when special effects such as the descending strains of
cascading water are required
Back to Top |
Yangqin
Yangqin originates from Western Asia and was introduced into China
during the Ming Dynasty. Two bamboo sticks are used to hit strings in
pairs thus producing a high and tinkling timbre in its top registers, a
soft and beautiful tone in the middle and a strong rich sound in the
lower registers.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
Pipa
Pipa is one of the oldest and well-know instruments in the Chinese
orchestra with 2,000 years if history. It has four strings. It is rich
in expression and has diverse performing techniques. Pipa is one of the
most symbolic Chinese musical instruments.
Back to Top |
Liuqin
Liuqin is also known as liuyueqin. It is a two or three-string,
willow-shaped plucking instrument which was popular during the Tang
Dynasty. It is now improved to a four-string, plucking instruments.
This instrument provides the high noted in a Chinese orchestra.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
Ruan
The ruan is a short-neck lute with a history of 1600 years. It is known
as qin pipa of ruanxian during the ancient times. There are different
types of ruan: daruan, zhongruan, xiaoruan and diruan.
Back to Top |
Sanxian
The sanxian (a long-necked lute) is a 3-string plucked instrument with
a skin membrane stretched over a resonator. Owing to its distinctive
acoustical properties-rich, full, tonal quality, great volume and a
wide range, the sanxian is widely used for accompaniment, orchestral
and solo performances.
The sanxian is made in three sizes: large, medium and small. The
large-size sanxian is mostly used to accompany epic singing; the small
one to accompany story-singing and music drama performances. Back to Top |
|
|
|
Dizi
A set of these instruments are often used including bangdi, qudi and
xindi, They vary in sizes and keys. The dizi or flute is made of
bamboo. It is believed to have been brought from Tibet during the Han
Dynasty. It has a full, bright and smooth timbre
Back to Top |
|
|
|
Sheng
The instrument existed as far back as 3 000 years ago. By virtue of its
construction, this is the only Chinese musical instrument capable of
playing various notes simultaneously. Music is produced by inhaling and
exhaling the air through a whistle at the base. Back to
Top |
Xiao
The xiao is also made of bamboo. With a history of over 2000 years, it
was sometime during the Tang and Sung Dynasty when the vertically
played instruments were categorised as xiao and those
horizontally-played as dizi. The xiao is not only a unique solo
instrument, but is also used widely in ensembles and for accompaniment
purposes. Its mellow tone quality makes it most suitable for playing
lyrical melodies. Back to Top |
|
 |
Suona
The suona is an ancient wind instrument and is also called the 'la ba'.
The tone quality of the instrument is bright. The body is made of wood
with a metal bell at one end and a straw double-reed at the other. In
its modified form, the suona is used in orchestral ensembles as well as
for the solos. The instrument comes in four sizes: the bass souno, alto
suona, soprano souna, soprano suona and the small hai di. Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
Drum
The drum has been in existence since 2079 BC In the past, its function
was to launch an attack during a battle. There are various kinds of
drums-the twirling drum, the nahing drum, the type suspend on a foot
frame to be beaten with two wooden hammers and the drum on a pedestal.
Drums can be made of metal, bamboo or animal skin.
Back to Top |
Gong
The gong is a popular folk musical instrument. It is also known as luo.
The sound from the luo or gong is produced by the mallet hitting the
metal plate.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
Cymbals
Like the luo, the cymbals or bo is mainly used in theatres and on
ceremonial occasions.
Back to Top |
Wooden Block
It is a percussion instrument made of a hollow wooden block, originally
used by Buddist priests to beat rhythm when chanting scriptures. In
recent years, a full set of wooden fish has been produced for use of
orchestra.Back to Top |
 |
Other Percussion Instruments
Other percussion instruments include: maracus, bells,tambourine,
jingles, clares, flamed drum, bamboo, clippers, ban and bangu.
Back to Top |
|
