Chinese Bamboo Flute

Welcome back to another week of the musical excursion!

Today we’ll venture north to China where we’ll take a look at one of the most common instrument, the Chinese Bamboo Flute.

The flute is believed to have originated from the Western regions of modern China over 2,000 years ago. The flutes were not only made out of bamboo but was also made out of the wing bones of the red crowned crane. The shortest variation of this flute is about a foot with the largest going to as long as six or seven feet (requiring about 3 or 4 people to play).

Making one of these flutes is not a simple task. One must be extremely precise in how they carve the holes in this instrument or else the sounds will be significantly different from others. With the 8 holes that are carved, 6 comprise of different notes, one blow hole, and one hole that is used to create the sound. This hole, serves a significant purpose in that without it, the flute is deemed to be un-usable. Perhaps most particular characteristic that differs Dizi from other musical instruments is "Mo-Cong" (membrane hole), which is located between the blowhole and 6th finger hole. It was invented in the Tang Dynasty by Liu Xi who then named the flute the "Seven Star Tube". 

What makes this feature even special is its thin membrane covering. (Here's a little tutorial for you curious ones click here ! Some people mistake this membrane for rice paper. However, it is actually made from the inner tube of a bamboo or reed plant. Once Dizi is played, the membrane vibrates with the Dizi, producing a sweet, bright tone. In addition it helps to deliver the Dizi sound far away. It is said that the purpose of this great invention is "To promote tone quality". 

Also, you are able to discover the "right" tone for your specific musical mood simply by adjusting the membrane. It is not foreign for people to hold more than one type of flute for each season because temperature differences also account for the various changes in tune. Just like how it is made, these Chinese instruments also produce music that is synonymous with nature. Whether it be music depicting a waterfall, a bird chirping, or a horse galloping, all the music serves as a link between nature. (Click for some breathtaking flute music !)

In recent years, the Bamboo Flute has begun to change how it is perceived. It is no longer considered to be a musical instrument that only plays ancient or traditional musical forms. Now, it’s been increasingly found in modern pop music attracting the likes of Chinese pop sensations Jay Chou as well as American artists such as Josh Groban. It has also made its way to cinema scores in Chinese as well as American films; most recently The Karate Kid and The Forbidden Kingdom. The ability for the flute to change from a slow melody to a fast melody makes it suitable to be adapted into modern forms of music.

That’s a wrap for our adventure here in China ! Till next time !