Features of Chinese flute

Knowing the features of the Chinese flute is necessary for everyone who chooses a more exotic instrument for themselves. You should definitely figure out how to play xiao. The music of the ancient bamboo musical instrument (transverse flute) is very well received even in the 21st century.

The ancient Chinese flute xiao is an outstanding cultural achievement of the ancient civilization. This wind instrument has a tight-fitting bottom end. It is customary to use it both as a solo musical instrument and as part of an ensemble. Linguists agree that the term "xiao" itself appeared in imitation of the sound produced. The division of Chinese flutes used now appeared at the turn of the XII-XIII centuries.

Previously, the term "xiao" was applied only to the multi-barrel flute, which is now called "paixiao". Tools with a single barrel in the distant past were called "di". Today, di is exclusively transverse structures. All modern xiao are made in a longitudinal pattern. The exact time of the appearance of such flutes is not known for certain.

One of the versions believes that they were created between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD. Another hypothesis says that Xiao began to be made back in the XIV century BC. NS. This assumption is based on references to some flutes on dice of that time. Truth, how exactly that instrument looked and how adequate the definition of its name was, has not yet been established.

There is a version that xiao from animal bones began to be made about 7000 years ago. If it is correct, then it turns out that this is one of the oldest instruments on the planet. Longitudinal flutes that have reliably survived to our time, however, date no earlier than the 16th century.A relatively large number of such products began to be made only from the 19th century.

The top face of the xiao is equipped with a hole that tilts inward. When playing, air enters through it. Older versions had 4 finger holes. Modern Chinese flutes are made with 5 passages on the front surface, and you can also wind up your thumb from the rear. Dimensions can vary quite a lot in certain areas of the PRC, the typical sound range is almost equal to a couple of octaves.

The historical Chinese region of Jiangnan - almost coinciding with the modern Yangtze Delta - is distinguished by a variant of Zizhu Xiao. They are made from black bamboo. Since such instruments are made from barrels with elongated internodes, such a flute reaches a great length. Taiwanese and common in the southern parts of Fujian, the classical dongxiao flute is obtained from bamboo with thickened stems. There are several types of bamboo trees with these characteristics.

Experts believe that the traditional transverse flute was created earlier by the Qiang people, who are the ancestors of the modern population of Tibet. Then she lived in the center and in the south of Gansu, as well as in the north-west of Sichuan. It is generally accepted that the Xiao period of the high Middle Ages almost completely coincides in appearance with modern samples.

This became possible under the influence of European approaches.

The ease of manufacture of the tool determines its popularity. The truly traditional xiao, as mentioned, is made from bamboo. However, there are also alternative constructions:

• based on porcelain;
• hard stone (mainly jadeite and jade);
• ivory;
• wooden (now they are becoming more popular).

The two main types are northern xiao and nansiao, common in the southern provinces of the PRC. In the phrase "northern xiao", the epithet "northern" is often omitted. The reason is clear - such a tool is found not only in the northern parts of the country. The classic design is quite long. It can vary from 700 to 1250 mm.

Nanxiao is shorter and thicker. Its top edge is open. Southern flutes are prepared using a root patch of yellow bamboo. For your information: such a tool is often called a chiba. It is known that he ended up in the past on the Korean Peninsula, and then on the Japanese islands.

The execution of the labium allows you to divide nanxiao into 3 main categories:

• UU (easiest for beginners);
• UV;
• V.

Nanxiao is historically intertwined with syzhu music. It was performed by amateur orchestras that spread during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This musical tradition is still widespread today. Speed, clear rhythms are typical for her. But sometimes it is combined with simple xiao.

However, the latter no longer belongs to the folk, but to the high classical branch of Chinese culture. If such an instrument is introduced to the orchestra, then it always interacts with guqin citra. Since their combination has been perfected for millennia, today the repertoire of the Chinese flute of the northern type is represented mainly by slow, flowing compositions.

In part, such practices persist today - but already as part of the game itself.

The classical music performed on the Chinese flute is very diverse. Reviews say it gives a deep and water-like sound. He slightly hisses, but that is why it does not lose its expressiveness. Low tones create a sense of peace and tranquility. In the literature of old China, such flutes were considered the embodiment of soft sadness.

The key note, unlike European instruments, appears when the octave valve is closed. Depending on the number of channels, 2 or 3 holes are closed from above. It is very important to develop the skill of diaphragmatic breathing.

Recommendations:

• coordinate the action of the oral and abdominal muscles;
• to issue a stable air flow through a small interlabial distance;
• avoid too strong breath;
• moisturize lips;
• do not be afraid to experiment (every Chinese flutist still goes in his own way).

Even more interesting information about the xiao Chinese flute can be found in the following video.