Chinese orchestra

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Chinese orchestra can refer to:

Ancient Chinese orchestras
Modern large Chinese orchestras

Contents

Ancient Chinese orchestras

According to recent archaeological findings, ancient Chinese music was much more developed and sophisticated than is generally believed. Music had already been an important element in various ceremonies during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1550 - 1111 B.C.), and it reached one of its greatest peaks during the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1111 - 222 B.C.).

It featured a great abundance of percussion instruments. There were also several wind instrumnets, but only a couple of zither type string instruments were used. All the bowed string instruments and most of the plucked string instruments first came to China from Central Asia after the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. - 219 A.D.).

The Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 A.D.) saw the first influx from Central Asia, a very important epoch in the evolution of Chinese music. However, it was during the Sung Dynasty (960 - 1279 A.D.) that Chinese music reached its maturity.

Traditional Chinese musical instruments were formerly divided into eight groups according to their materials: gourd, earthenware, hide, wood, stone, bronze, silk and bamboo. It was said that there were more than 70 different musical instruments, but many of them have been lost or unused today.

The modern large Chinese orchestra

The modern large Chinese orchestra is a 20th Century development and is based on the Western symphony orchestra, but uses Chinese instruments in place of Western instruments. It also emulates the Western Orchestra in terms of the sitting position of musicians.

Today's typical Chinese Orchestra also includes the Western Cello and Double Bass, as well as other Western instruments like the vibraphone and triangle. Also, many of the Chinese instruments are modified versions of traditional instruments, for example, large bass shengs, suonas with keys.

The Chinese Orchestra can now be found as a Co-Curricular activity in some schools, and the music produced by the Chinese Orchestra is unique and not like any other Western Orchestra. Then again, the Chinese Orchestra can also make music that sounds like Western Orchestral pieces.

Instruments

The modern Chinese Orchestra typically consists of four main sections. These instruments are generally grouped according to the way they are played--bowed string, plucked string, woodwind and percussion.

Plucked string (弹拨乐/tan bo yue)

This section sets the structure of Chinese orchestras apart from Western symphony orchestras. Consisting of the yangqin, liuqin, pipa, zhongruan, daruan, sanxian, guzheng, and konghou, it creates tunes unachievable by the Western wind and string instruments.

Yangqin

A Yangqin is a dulcimer played using a pair of bamboo mallets rubberised on one end. Besides hitting the strings with the rubberised ends, the mallets can also be turned over to create a sharper note (this technique is called 反竹 fan3 zhu2). Some songs even require the player to hold the mallets vertically and use the other end to pluck. It is a versatile instrument capable of playing rapid running notes or arpeggios.

Liuqin

The Liuqin is a soprano range lute. At first glance, it looks similar to a pipa. Upon closer observations, one would notice its smaller size and the two sound holes on each side of the base. The four strings are tuned G3-D4-G4-D5. By pressing slightly above any of the frets on the instrument, one can vary the pitch. It is commonly played using a plectrum like those for guitar. The sound is very bright and penetrating, making it a very effective soprano instrument. Its range is similar to that of a violin.

Pipa

Pipa is the alto range lute. One of the more well-known Chinese instruments, this instrument has been linked to concubines of late emperors and songstresses at teahouses, often conveying the stereotypical image of a demure damsel. Despite the absence of sound holes, it is able to produce music as well as other plucked string instruments. The modern-day player has to wear a set of customised acrylic nails on the right hand. From simple plucking by the thumb and index finger and sao xian(sweeping one's hand across all strings with gusto) to yao zhi(tilting the instrument and using the middle finger to continuously cut across the string) and lun zou (plucking by all five fingers, one after another in a wave-like motion), the methods of playing are dimensionless. Its tuning is A2,D3,E3,A3.

Zhongruan

Zhongruan is the tenor range lute. The four strings are tuned G2-D3-G3-D4. The instrument can be played using a plectrum similar to a guitar pick, or using a set of 2 or 5 acrylic fingernails. Mainstream ruan players use plectrums, though there are some schools which teach the fingernail technique, similar to that of the pipa. Pipa players who play ruan as a second instrument also use fingernails. Plectrums produce a louder and more clear tone, which makes them suitable for orchestral use. Fingernails allow performance of polyphonic solo music, however this advantage is not useful in orchestras, where the zhongruan mainly plays the accompaniment. It possesses a very mellow tone.

Daruan

Daruan is the bass range lute. A larger version of the zhongruan with strings tuned to a perfect 4th lower: D2-A2-D3-A3. Soloists generally use the DADA tuning, as it allows easy performance of diatonic chords. Some orchestral players tune to C-G-D-A, which is exactly the same as cello tuning. The advantage of using CGDA in orchestras is so that the daruan can easily double the cello part.

Other members of the Ruan family are Gaoyin-Ruan (Soprano, tuning G3,D4,G4,D5); Xiaoruan (Alto, tuning D3,A3,D4,A4) and Diyin-Ruan (Contrabass, tuning G1,D2,G2,D3).

Sanxian

The sanxian is the only plucked string instrument without frets. As can be inferred from the name, it has three strings. The sanxian family of instruments is very large, with different variants for different tribes in China. The orchestra da-sanxian ("da" meaning "big") has a soundbox covered on both sides with python skin. Its sound is forceful, penetrating and articulated; in fact one sanxian can be heard admist a 70-piece orchestra.

It has a very strong folk flavour, which often puts it in the limelight. For this reason too, it is not very suitable for playing accompaniment, as it tends to cover the sound of the melody instruments. It is more frequently used in plucked-string ensembles and solos, even when used in orchestras it also mainly plays melody. Not a lot of pieces require the sanxian, hence orchestral sanxian musicians usually play Zhongruan too.

Guzheng

The Guzheng used in modern-day Chinese orchestras consists of 21 strings with moveable bridges. The strings are tuned to a pentatonic scale, and different scales are tuned by shifting the bridges. Some modern music requires the guzheng to tune to non-standard scales.

Like pipa players, Guzheng players also have to wear synthetic nails, sometimes on both hands depending on the requirements of the piece. Common techniques include glissandos, bending-tones and vibratos. It is more commonly used for solos than orchestra music. The role of a guzheng in a Chinese orchestra is similar to that of a harp in a Symphonic orchestra.

Konghou

A Konghou is somewhat similar to the Western Orchestra harp. The modern Konghou has 7 pedals for raising or lowering the strings' notes, and the mechanism is similar to the harp. Though konghou has a shorter range than harp, it can perform many techniques the harp cannot do. This is because konghou strings are set on movable bridges on one side of the soundbox. Most guzheng techniques, like tone-bending and vibratos are effective on the konghou.

However, most of the time orchestral pieces rarely use the special konghou techniques. Therefore, sometimes a harp is used as a substitute when a konghou is not available.

Bowed string (弦乐/xian yue)

Mainly the huqin series, includes erhu, zhonghu and gaohu. The gaohu (highest pitch of the series) and zhonghu (lowest pitch of the series) are proportionately less in numbers in orchestra plans. The erhu forms the bulk of this section and is divided into erhu 1 and erhu 2, playing either similar or vastly different melodies simultaneously. Occasionally the concertmaster will play the banhu (an example is the song Mang Chun) or jinghu if there is a solo part for it.

The uniqueness of this instrument lies in how music can be produced from two fine metal strings less than 2 mm apart, without any frets or finger boards.

Well-known solo pieces for the erhu includes "San Men Xia Chang Xiang Qu", "Guang Ming Xing" as well as "Lan Hua Hua".

Cello and double bass are also considered part of this section. Some Chinese orchestras still use the gehu and bass gehu, but due to the limitations of the instrument, it is now quite rare. A notable example of this is the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, which manages to maintain the usage of gehu and bass gehu.

Wind (官乐/guan yue)

Including the Dizi (bamboo flutes), Sheng (free reed) and Suona (double reed)

Percussion (打击乐/da ji yue)

The history of percussion instruments in China is longer than any other category of traditional instruments. The character of 'drum' was first found in the inscriptions on bones and tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty. At that time (BC 1562 - 1066) more than 50% of instruments were percussion.

Percussion instruments produce sound by striking on their surfaces. Common material used for making percussion instruments in the past were gold, rock, wood and bamboo.

The percussion section is the most important section in Chinese opera, particularly in "martial" scenes known as wu-chang. The player of the bangu, directs the rest of the orchestra through his different methods and positions of striking his instrument. He has control over the overall development of the action and creation of atmosphere, and is equivalent to the conductor of a western style orchestra.

Because of the richness of timbre, sound and variety of Chinese percussion instruments, they are frequently used in western style musical compositions. A large gong can create a stately and imposing atmosphere; dramatic effects can be achieved with the tanggu, and muyu and Ching also can produce an atmosphere of mystery.

Percussion Instruments were easy to learn and play . As the instrument can produce different sound effects, it is frequently used in joyful and exciting occasions such as harvest, marriage and dragon boat as well as more as well as memorial ceremonies.

The more popular percussion instruments include Luo, Gu, Bo, and Bianzhong.Including the Gu (drum), Bo (cymbal) and muyu (wood block), among many others.

Bangu (Single-headed Frame Drum)

The bangu (ban: flat board; gu: drum) is also commonly called Jing Bangu (bangu for Peking opera) and Danpi (single drumhead). The drum's frame is constructed of thick wedges of hard wood glued together in a circle, wrapped with a metal band. Its body is bell mouthed in shape, open at the bottom. Its top surface (about 25 cm), covered with a piece of pig or cow-hide, has a small convex central circular opening (about 5 or 6 cm in diameter), which is called the Guxin (drum heart), the actual sounding position. The player strikes on this central area with a pair of bamboo sticks.

The type used for Peking opera and other northern musical dramas, with a smaller central striking area, has a relatively solid tone quality. The type used for the southern gong and drum ensemble, with a larger striking area , is loose and soft in tone. The southern type is fit for solos with a variety of techniques and rhythms. The Jing Bangu leads the percussion section in the instrumental ensemble of the Peking opera.

Bo (Pair of bronze cymbals)

The bo were frequently used in Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907) with varying designs. Now it is commonly made of high-tin bronze.

The performer strikes the pair together. The most common type now is the Jingbo (the prefix jing referring to Beijing), a name from the instruments use in the Peking opera. This type is clear and forceful in tone quality. It is also used in other regional opera genres and instrumental ensembles, and is one of the four major instruments (drum, large and small gongs, and cymbals) in the jubilant Luogu (gong and drum) music. In local operas the instruments is often for the accompaniment of acrobatics fighting. [link]

Luo (Gong)

Luo, or Chinese gongs, are made of high-tin bronze, hammered into a sifter shape. Its central resonating area can be either flat or convex. At least its long history can be traced back to the early Western Han period (206BC-AD 24) according to an archaeological find from a tomb of that period in Guangxi. In the Tang text (618-907) it is called Shaluo (sand gong), the earlier evidence in classical literature.

Modern varieties are great in number with varying tone qualities. The name is usually preceded by a prefix to specify each different kind. The largest type (over 120 cm in diameter) called Dachaoluo, with the name from its deep and grave tone, is used in weddings, funerals and temple ceremonies. The smallest goujiao luo (dog-call gong), only 8 cm in diameter, can often be seen in theatre instrumental ensembles in southern Fujian province. Both the larger and the smaller include a series of types under different nacoustic features, functions and performing styles.

Tanggu (Medium-sized Barrel Drum)

The Tanggu drum (tang: hall; gu: drum)is listed as "hide" in the traditional bayin classifications. The common type is similar in shape to a barrel. Its wooden shell, entirely painted red with decorative patterns, is covered with two drumheads of cowhide or pig skin. Four lateral iron rings around the shell allow the drum to be vertically suspended in a frame. It is struck with a pair of wooden beaters. Tone quality can be modified by moving the point of striking closer to the centre of the surface, with varying dynamics.

The Tanggu is constructed mainly in two types. The larger one, with diameters of over a meter, can produce a deep and sonorous tone and the smaller, with a diameter of 20-30 cm, is solid and forceful in tone quality.

The drum is traditionally used with other instruments like luo (gong) and bo (cymbals) in folk festivals and celebrations, and in ensembles or in accompaniments as well. Types for local operas are mostly smaller, e.g. The Jing Tanggu in Peking opera.

Muyu (Woodblock or Slit drum)

The Muyu (mu: wooden; yu: fish) was used originally to accompany Buddhist chant only. An account of this instrument was found in the literature of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644): "The muyu is carved from a block of wood and into the shape of a fish, then its interior is hollowed out. Sounds can be produced by striking" Since the Qing dynasty (1645-1911) the instrument has appeared in folk instrumental ensembles.

The muyu is mostly made of mulberry or Chinese toon wood. The larger type is primarily used in Buddhist temples, but recently appears in sets, varying in diameters and tone qualities. The set is mainly used for regular rhythms in the accompaniment.

Bianzhong (Collected Bronze Bells)

Bianzhong (bian: collected; zhong: bell) is listed as "metal", and heads the bayin classifications. Its long history dates back to the Shang dynasty (1766-1122BC), when a set of 3 bronze bells was common, though the earlier pottery type of the late Stone Age was unearthed in Shaanxi province. From the 5th to the 3rd century BC the number of bells was increasing, mostly to 9 and a few to 13.

The largest set ever seen was from the tomb of Zenghou Yi (the 5th century BC) in Hubei province. This archaeological find has become a focus of world academic attention. The set consists of 64 bells, hung in three layers. The upper ones are called niuzhong, i.e. bells with bronze loops for vertical suspension; those on the two lower layers are called yongzhong, i.e. bells with handles for suspension at a slight angle. Because of the bells shape two different pitches, a major or minor third apart, can be produced on any of the bells, depending on the two striking locations, the frontal or the lateral. 12 semi-tones are found in the set, with a total range of 5 octaves.

The inscriptions on the bells unite to form a literature of a large tone system, valuable sources for the study of the musical culture in the period of the Warring States (475-221 BC). With the construction for two different pitches from a single bell and the unique casting technology, the bianzhong has established itself as the eighth wonder of the world.

Lion Drum

The size of a Lion Drum is very big, widely used for Lion dance. There are normally 2 types, the northern Lion Drum (normally in red colour) and southern Lion Drum (in black colour).

It is a single headed drum, If its size and the colour doesn't draw a crowd, then the glorious booming sound is sure to get lots of attention.

The Lion drum has a thick durable goat skin head, and a wooden body, normally with hand painted decorations.

Yunluo (Set of small bronze gongs)

The Yunluo (yun: cloud; Luo: gong) was first mentioned in China as yun-ao in the Yuan dynasty (1271 - 1368). The small gongs in set, usually 10 in different pitches, are suspended vertically in the same wooden frame. Each is attached to a cubicle within the frame by cords. The gongs are all of the same diameter but of varying thickness. In tuning, thicker dimensions give higher pitches, and thinner ones, lower. The instruments are struck with a small beater.

In the redesigned type the number of gongs is increased, ranging from 29 to 38, and two mallets with either hard or soft tips, are used for different tonal effects. One sounds clang and solid and the other soft and drifting. Owing to the enlarged range, modification in thickness cannot produce any other pitches. Thus varying diameters are used for the new tones.

The yunluo are mostly seen in instrumental ensembles, and recently for solos as well.

Notation

Whilst jianpu (numerical notation) is most often used in the modern Chinese Orchestra, standard Western musical notation is also sometimes used.

Reference

[Singapore Chinese Orchestra Website]