Beijing
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One

Golden Oldies

A traditional Chinese orchestra is composed of four sections, woodwind, string, plucking, and percussion.

Suona

suona RealAudio Sample

The suona is perhaps the most distinctive of all traditional Chinese instruments, and is truly indispensable to any Chinese ensemble. This ancient woodwind is similar to a European oboe. Its body is made of wood, with a metal bell at one end, and a copper mouthpiece on the other. The suona was introduced to China from Persia or Arabia in the twelfth century. It was originally used as a morale booster for marching troops but gradually became a favorite in peasant folk songs and dances.

Sheng

sheng RealAudio Sample

The sheng, also called the Chinese mouth organ, is the oldest Chinese reed instrument, widely used since at least the second century B.C. The sheng consists of a base, pipes and reeds, which together look something like a bird's folded wing. In fact, the instrument was originally called fengsheng, or "phoenix wing" for this reason. The sheng works much like the accordion and the harmonica, with air passing through metal reeds causing them to vibrate. The sheng can play melody and accompaniment simultaneously, and is often used in ensembles.

Pipa

pipa RealAudio Sample

The pipa is a Chinese lute. The first pipa probably appeared around 105 B.C., when it was praised as much for its shape as its sound -- "hollow inside and solid outside in the image of heaven and earth, with a round bottom and straight handle symbolizing the relationship between Yin and Yang." The pipa has four strings and between 19 and 26 bamboo frets. Both in China and abroad, the pipa is commonly used as both a solo and an orchestral instrument.

Erhu

erhu RealAudio Sample

The erhu is one of the most widely used string instruments in China, and is thought to have originated between the tenth and thirteenth centuries. The erhu has two strings and is played with a bow clasped between them. Its sound box is covered by snake skin, which gives the instrument its sonorous tone. The erhu is extremely popular for both solo and orchestral performances.

Ruan

ruan RealAudio Sample

The ruan, a short-necked lute, is a Chinese fretted instrument, which dates back to the first century B.C. The ruan is thought to be named after Ruan Han, one of the "Seven Scholars of the Bamboo Field," who played the instrument with legendary prowess. The instrument consists of three parts: resonator, neck and head. It has four strings and 24 frets. The ruan often accompanies operatic performances.