Dizi

Bangdi

The dizi (}; }), is a Chinese transverse flute. It is also sometimes known as the di () or hengdi (), and has varieties including the qudi () and bangdi ().

These names are likely to have multiple spellings, too, depending on the transliteration used to convert from Chinese names. Nonetheless, dizi seems to be the most common name (and written form) used in the West.

The dizi is a major Chinese musical instrument, popular not only in Chinese folk music, Chinese operas, and Chinese orchestras, but also used in music exported to the west. The dizi has a deep, rich history, and a lasting appeal. Traditionally, the dizi has also been popular among the Chinese common people, since it is simple to make, easy to carry, and beautiful when played.

Dizi bamboo membrane

Most dizi are made of bamboo, which explains why dizi are sometimes known by simple names such as "Chinese bamboo flute." However, "bamboo" is perhaps more of a Chinese instrument classification like "woodwind" in the West.

Although bamboo is the common material for the dizi, it is also possible to find dizi made from other kinds of kinds of wood, or even from stone. Jade dizi (or yudi, 玉笛) are popular among both collectors interested in the almost magical beauty of jade dizi, and among professional players who seek an instrument with look that matches the quality of their renditions. But jade may not be the best material for dizi since, as with metal, jade may not be so tonally responsive, unlike bamboo which is more resonant.

The dizi is not the only bamboo flute of China, although it is certainly distinctive. Other Chinese bamboo wind instruments include the xiao, the guan, the koudi, and the bawu.

Contents

1 Membrane
2 Techniques
3 Origins
4 Styles
5 See also
6 External links

Membrane

Whereas most simple flutes have only a blowing hole (an embouchure, known as chui kong in Chinese) and finger-holes, the dizi has very different additional hole, called a mo kong, between the embouchure and finger-holes. A special membrane called dimo (, lit. "di membrane"), made from an almost tissue-like shaving of bamboo, is made taut and glued over this hole, traditionally with a substance called a jiao. Garlic juice or glue sticks may also be used to adhere the dimo. This application process, in which fine wrinkles are created in the centre of the dimo to create a penetrating buzzy timbre, is an art form in itself.

The mokong has a distinctive resonating effect on the sound produced by the dizi, making it brighter and louder, and adding harmonics to give the final tone a buzzing, nasal quality. Dizi have a relatively large range, covering about two-and-a-quarter octaves.

Techniques

Dizi are often played using various "advanced" techniques, such as circular breathing, slides, popped notes, harmonics, "flying finger" trills, multiphonics, fluttertonguing, and double-tonguing. Most professional players have a set of seven dizi, each in a different key (and size). Additionally, master players and those seeking distinctive sounds such as birdsong may use extremely small or very large dizi. When all of these qualities are combined by a master player, the dizi can be a very versatile, unique, and beautiful instrument.

Origins

There are many suggestions for the source of dizi. While some suggest that the Yellow Emperor ordered his government official to make the bamboo musical instrument, others believe that dizi was imported into China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).

Recently, archaeologists have discovered evidence suggesting that the simple transverse flutes (though without the distinctive mokong of the dizi) have been present in China for over 8000 years. Fragments of bone flutes from this period are still playable today, and are remarkably similar to modern versions in terms of hole placement, etc. These flutes share common features of other simple flutes from cultures all around the world, including the ney, an end-blown cane flute which was depicted in Egyptian paintings and stone carvings. In fact, recent archeological discoveries in Africa suggest that the history of such flutes may date back a very long way in human history indeed.

Styles

Contemporary dizi styles are divided into two: Northern and Southern, each style having different preferences in dizi and playing skills. In Northern China, for example, the bangdi is used to accompany Bangzi opera, with a sound that is bright and vigorous. In Southern China, the qudi accompanies Kunqu opera, with a more mellow, sentimental tone.

External links

[2 Measures at a Time] - Suppliers a complete dizi course, and instruments, with sample mp3s available online.