Instruments in modern orchestra Chinese orchestra

1 instruments in modern orchestra

1.1 plucked string (弹拨乐)

1.1.1 yangqin (扬琴)
1.1.2 pipa (琵琶)
1.1.3 liuqin (柳琴)
1.1.4 zhongruan (中阮)
1.1.5 daruan (大阮)
1.1.6 sanxian (三弦)
1.1.7 guzheng (古箏)


1.2 bowed strings (弦乐)

1.2.1 huqin (胡琴)
1.2.2 cello , double bass (低音)


1.3 wind (吹管乐)

1.3.1 dizi (笛子)
1.3.2 sheng (笙)
1.3.3 suona (唢呐)


1.4 percussion (打击乐)

1.4.1 bangu (板鼓)
1.4.2 bo (钹)
1.4.3 luo (锣)
1.4.4 yunluo (云锣)
1.4.5 tanggu (堂鼓)
1.4.6 muyu (木鱼)
1.4.7 bianzhong (编钟)
1.4.8 lion drum (狮鼓)

instruments in modern orchestra

the modern chinese orchestra typically consists of 4 main sections. these instruments grouped according way played - bowed strings (inclusive of western bass section), plucked strings, woodwinds , percussion. many of chinese instruments modified versions of traditional instruments, example, diyinsheng (large bass sheng), , zhongyin (alto) suona, fitted keys. these modifications based on western counterparts.

many modern chinese orchestral pieces include parts written western instruments such harp, cello , double bass, western percussion instruments. in fact, roles of cello, double bass , western percussion in modern chinese orchestra important compositions use them. however, composers may prefer use gehu in place of cello, or diyingehu (bass gehu) in place of double bass.

plucked string (弹拨乐)

musicians in plucked string section in chinese orchestra.

this section sets structure of chinese orchestras apart western symphony orchestras. consisting of yangqin , liuqin , pipa , zhongruan , daruan, sanxian, guzheng, , konghou, largely plucked chordophone-based section creates tunes different western orchestral instruments.

yangqin (扬琴)

the yangqin dulcimer played using pair of bamboo mallets rubberised on 1 end. besides hitting strings rubberised ends, mallets can turned on create sharper note (this technique called 反竹 (fanzhu)). songs require player hold mallets vertically , use other end or using player hands pluck. versatile instrument capable of playing rapid running notes or arpeggios.

pipa (琵琶)

the pipa alto range member of plucked string section. 1 of more well-known chinese instruments, instrument has been associated imperial concubines , songstresses @ teahouses, conveying stereotypical image of demure damsel. despite absence of soundholes, able produce music other plucked string instruments. modern-day player has wear set of customised acrylic nails on right hand. simple plucking thumb , index finger , saoxian (sweeping 1 s fingers across strings gusto) yaozhi (tilting instrument , using middle finger continuously cut across strings) , lunzou (by plucking 5 fingers, 1 after in wavelike motion), playing techniques of pipa visibly dimensionless. tuning a2-d3-e3-a3.

liuqin (柳琴)

the liuqin soprano range lute. looks similar pipa smaller 2 sound holes on each side of body. 4 strings tuned g3-d4-g4-d5. pressing above of frets on instrument, 1 can vary pitch of liuqin. commonly played using plectrum in guitar. sound bright , penetrating, making effective soprano instrument. range similar of violin.

zhongruan (中阮)

the zhongruan plays role of tenor in section. 4 strings tuned g2-d3-g3-d4. instrument can played using plectrum similar guitar pick, liuqin, or using set of 2 5 acrylic fingernails. mainstream ruan players use plectrums, though there schools teach fingernail technique, similar of pipa. pipa players play ruan second instrument use fingernails. plectrums produce louder , clearer tone, makes them suitable orchestral use. fingernails allow performance of polyphonic solo music, advantage not useful in orchestras, zhongruan plays accompaniment. possesses mellow tone.

daruan (大阮)

the daruan bass lute. larger version of zhongruan strings tuned perfect fourth lower: d2-a2-d3-a3. soloists use d-a-d-a tuning, allows easy performance of diatonic chords. orchestral players tune c-g-d-a, same cello tuning. advantage of using c-g-d-a in orchestras daruan can double cello part.

other members of ruan family gaoyinruan (soprano, tuning g3-d4-g4-d5); xiaoruan (alto, tuning d3-a3-d4-a4) , diyinruan (contrabass, tuning g1-d2-g2-d3).

sanxian (三弦)

the sanxian plucked string instrument without frets. can inferred name (san, lit. three; xian, lit. string), has 3 strings. sanxian family of instruments large, different variants used in different tribes in china. orchestra uses dasanxian (da, lit. large) has soundbox covered on both sides python skin. sound forceful, penetrating , articulated; in fact, single sanxian can heard in 70-member orchestra.

it has strong folk flavour, puts in limelight when in usage other instruments. reason too, not suitable playing accompaniment, tends overshadow sound of melody instruments. more used in plucked string ensembles , solos. when used in orchestra, attributed main melody. however, since orchestral usage of sanxian lower compared other instruments, sanxian players take second instrument, zhongruan.

sometimes yueqin included in section.

guzheng (古箏)

the guzheng chinese plucked zither. generally, has 18 or more strings , movable bridges. performers use picks play instrument , known daimao . performers can play guzheng both hands different skills. there few guzheng member in chinese orchestra, although more played solo instrument. emerged warring period , became more popular since qin dynasty.

bowed strings (弦乐)

erhu players in bow strings section of chinese orchestra

the bowed strings consist of huqin family of instruments, , cello , double bass instruments, provide bass sound traditional chinese music lacks.

huqin (胡琴)

the huqin series of instruments in common usage consist of erhu, zhonghu , gaohu. gaohu (highest-pitched of series) , zhonghu (lowest-pitched huqin) proportionately fewer in numbers in chinese orchestra. erhu forms bulk of section , divided distinct sections, known erhu , erhu ii. these 2 sub-sections play either similar or vastly different melodies simultaneously, akin first , second violins in western orchestra. occasionally, concertmaster play banhu may not concertmaster - example piece mang chun (忙春), or jinghu, instance in zhao ji ping s festival overture (庆典序曲), if there solo part it. there various ways play erhu, such bowing or plucking strings.

the uniqueness of huqin series lies in how music can produced 2 fine metal strings less 2 mm apart, without frets or fingerboards. well-known solo pieces erhu includes sanmen gorge capriccio (三门峡畅想曲), guang ming xing (光明行) lan hua hua (兰花花）.

banhu may singularly used in huqin section if strong piccolo voice needed.

cello , double bass (低音)

the cello , double bass can considered part of section. true in orchestras, in others cello , bass considered distinct bowed strings. chinese orchestras still use gehu , diyingehu (bass gehu), due limitations , costs of instruments, quite rare. notable example of ensemble still utilising gehu , diyingehu hong kong chinese orchestra. in chinese orchestras in china, used instrument called laruan, has shape of ruan larger in size , played either plucking or using bow similar cello or bass bow.

wind (吹管乐)

a sheng player in chinese orchestra

chinese wind instruments include dizi (a bamboo flute), sheng (which free reed mouth organ) , suona (a double reed oboe).

dizi (笛子)

the main types of dizis used in wind section bangdi (梆笛), qudi (曲笛), , xindi (新笛). bangdi shorter in length , smaller in diameter , produces clear , bright tone. used in bangzi opera of northern , southern china, hence name bangdi. longer , thicker qudi produces richer , mellower tone. bangdi fourth higher in pitch qudi. xindi longer , thicker qudi, finger holes , no membrance. lower in pitch , mellower in tone qudi. dadi (or diyindi) may used substitution xindi, instrument has membrane , sounds low qudi.

sheng (笙)

the sheng chinese free-reed bamboo mouth organ. earliest type ever recorded in history had 14 pipes , discovered in zeng houyi s tomb in hubei province. common types of sheng today include 17-pipe instrument , modified version contemporary compositions, has expanded range of 21-37 pipes. tone of sheng lucid , bright. has huge range, chromatically complete scale , able produce chord voicings. orchestras use full range of sheng, including gaoyin (soprano), zhongyin (alto), cizhongyin (tenor) , diyin (bass) sheng.

suona (唢呐)

the tone produced suona loud, piercing , uplifting, used perform vibrant , lively pieces. however, repertoire includes mellower pieces. suona commonly used accompaniment in chinese opera, singing or dancing, more sombre occasions, such during traditional chinese funeral procession. utilised in solos or ensembles various occasions , ceremonies. being double-reeded wind instrument, extremely difficult master produce perfect pitches. there modified types, such keyed alto, tenor , bass suonas. many suona players doubling on guan, double-reed chinese instrument of mellower quality (like of clarinet.) usage has led development of keyed lower guan, such zhongyin , diyin guans.

occasionally, koudi (口笛), xun (埙), haojiao (号角, horn), hailuo (海螺, conch shell) , xiao (萧) used according composition.

percussion (打击乐)

percussion section, right large gong , yunluo, group of differently-sized gongs

the history of chinese percussion instruments longer other section of traditional chinese instruments. character of drum first recorded in ancient inscriptions on oracle bones , tortoise shells dating shang dynasty. @ time (1562-1066 bc) more 50 percent of chinese instruments percussive in nature.

percussion instruments produce sound through striking on surface. common materials used making percussion instruments in past gold, rock, wood , bamboo. more popular percussion instruments include luo (锣, or gongs), gu (鼓, or drums), bo (cymbals), , bianzhong (编钟).

because of richness of timbre, sound , variety of chinese percussion instruments, used in western-style musical compositions. large gong can create stately , imposing atmosphere; dramatic effects can achieved tanggu (堂鼓), muyu (木鱼) , qing (磬) can invoke element of mystery.

percussion instruments considered easy learn , perform. many different percussion instruments produce different sound effects, used depicting joyful , exciting occasions such harvests, marriages, other traditional chinese festivals.

in chinese opera, percussion section of orchestra particularly important, martial scenes known wu chang, or player of bangu, directs rest of orchestra through different methods , positions of striking instrument. has control on overall development of action , creation of atmosphere, , equivalent conductor of western orchestra.

bangu (板鼓)

the bangu (ban, lit. flat board; gu, lit. drum) commonly called jing bangu (京板鼓) (jing means beijing opera) , danpi (single drumhead). drum frame constructed of thick wedges of hardwood glued in circle, wrapped metal band. body bell-mouthed in shape, opens @ bottom. top surface (about 25 cm), covered piece of pig or cow hide, has small convex central circular opening (about 5 or 6 cm in diameter), called guxin (lit. drum heart, middle of drum), actual sounding position. player strikes on central area pair of bamboo sticks. use of normal sticks cause pain of hand , bamboos sticks used not commonly used.

the type used beijing opera , other northern chinese musical dramas, smaller central striking area, has relatively solid tone quality. in southern gong , drum ensemble, bangu has larger striking area, rendering looser , softer tone. southern type can used solos variety of techniques , rhythms. jing bangu lead instrument in beijing opera.

bo (钹)

the bo (bronze cymbals) used in sui , tang dynasties (ad 581-907) varying designs. commonly made of high-tin bronze.

the performer strikes cymbals together. common type jingbo (the prefix jing referring beijing, prefix used define instruments in beijing opera). type clear , forceful in tone quality. used in other regional opera genres , ensembles, , 1 of 4 major instruments (drum, large , small gongs , cymbals) in jubilant luogu (锣鼓) (gong , drum) music. in local operas, luogu ensemble accompanies acrobatic fighting.

luo (锣)

the luo, or chinese gong, made of high-tin bronze, hammered shape of sifter. central resonating area can either flat or convex. long history can traced western han period (206 bc-ad 24) according archaeological find tomb of period in guangxi. in text dating tang period (ad 618-907), known shaluo (沙锣, lit. sand gong), among earlier evidence of gong usage in classical literature.

there many varieties of gongs, each varying tone qualities. name preceded prefix specify each different kind. largest type (over 120 cm in diameter) called dachaoluo, known deep , grave tone, used in official settings weddings, funerals , temple ceremonies. smallest, goujiaoluo (狗叫锣, lit. dog-calling gong), 8 cm in diameter, can seen in theatrical ensembles in southern parts of fujian. both larger , smaller boast distinct acoustic features, functions , performing styles. different size , thinkness of cymbals affect sound tone being produced. da di luo (big gong) has deep sound in contrast goujiaoluo.

yunluo (云锣)

the yunluo (yun, lit. cloud; luo, lit. gong) first mentioned in historical records yun ao during yuan dynasty (1271–1368). small gongs in set, numbering 10 , in distinct pitches, suspended vertically in wooden frame. each attached cubicle within frame, secured cords. these gongs of same diameter vary in thickness. in terms of tuning, thicker dimensions give higher pitches, , thinner ones, lower. instruments struck small beater.

in redesigned type, number of gongs increased, ranging 29 38, , 2 mallets either hard or soft tips used different tonal effects. 1 sounds loud , solid, while other soft , drifting. owing expanded range, modification in yunluo thickness cannot change pitch of each small gong. varying diameters used new tones variation.

the yunluo used in ensembles, , in solos well.

tanggu (堂鼓)

the tanggu drum (tang, lit. hall; gu, lit. drum) listed hide instrument in traditional bayin classification of chinese instruments. common type similar in shape barrel. wooden body, entirely painted red decorative patterns, covered 2 drumheads of cowhide or pig skin. 4 lateral iron rings around shell allow drum vertically suspended in frame. struck pair of wooden beaters. tone quality can modified moving striking point closer centre of surface, varying dynamics. different tone not identified.

the tanggu constructed in 2 types. larger one, diameters of on metre, can produce deep , sonorous tone , smaller, diameter of 20 30 cm, solid , forceful in tone quality. traditionally used other instruments luo , bo in folk festivals, , in ensembles or accompaniment well. types local operas smaller, instance, jing tanggu in beijing opera. known dagu, datanggu, xiaogu or xiaotanggu.

muyu (木鱼)

the muyu (mu, lit. wooden; yu, lit. fish) used accompany buddhist chants , monks only. account of instrument found in literature of ming dynasty (ad 1368-1644): muyu carved block of wood , shape of fish, interior hollowed out. sounds can produced striking. since qing dynasty (ad 1644-1911) instrument has appeared in folk ensembles.

the muyu made of mulberry (or chinese toon) wood. larger type used in buddhist temples, appears in sets, varying in diameters , tonal qualities. set used regular rhythms when used accompaniment. playing different parts of muyu have different volume.

bianzhong (编钟)

the bianzhong (bian, lit. collected; zhong, lit. bell) listed primary metal instrument, , heads metal section under bayin classifications. long history dates shang dynasty (1766-1122 bc), when set of 3 bronze bells common, though earlier earthenware type of late stone age unearthed in shaanxi province. 5th 3rd century bc number of bells increased, 9 13.

the largest set ever recorded exhumed tomb of marquis yi of state of zeng, zeng-hou yi (from sometime after 433 bc) in hubei province. archaeological finding has become focus of international academic attention. bianzhong being found still have sound quality despite many years after made. bianzhong set consists of 64 bells, hung in 3 layers, upper ones called niuzhong (bells bronze loops vertical suspension), while on 2 lower layers called yongzhong (bells handles suspension @ slight angle). because of shape of bells, 2 different pitches, major or minor third apart, can produced on of bells, depending on 2 striking locations, either frontal or lateral. 12 semitones found in set, total range of 5 octaves.

the inscriptions on bells unite form literary text on large tone system of bianzhong, valuable sources study of musical culture in warring states period during eastern zhou dynasty (475-221 bc). construction 2 different pitches single bell , unique casting methods, bianzhong 1 of more unusual instruments of traditional chinese music.

lion drum (狮鼓)

the size of lion drum big, , used lion dance. there 2 types, northern lion drum (normally in red) , southern lion drum (painted in black). single-headed drum, , large size helps create majestic, booming resonance upon striking of drum head. lion drum head made of thick, durable goat skin, , wooden body decorated intricate hand-drawn drawings. sound produce sound higher key datanggu.