Dizi,a traditional Chinese musical instrument, became popular as early as the Warring States Period (475-221BC). It first appeared in Hemudu Clan (in present-day Hubei Province) 7,000 years ago.
This transverse bamboo flute has a blowing hole, a stop hole and six finger holes. The two holes furthest from the player and fundamental tone holes and next to them are two auxiliary tone holes. Its range is two and a half octaves. During the blossoming of the art of opera in the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties,
Diziwas adopted as an accompanying instrument for various kinds of stage dramas.
There are two basic kinds ofDizi--Bangdi, which was the shorter one, got its name because it was used to accompany clapper-type operas. It has a strong and piping tone, suitable for expressing robust and lively emotions;Qudi, also named asSudifor its origin from Suzhou city, is often used to accompanyKunquOpera. It is five levels lower thanBangdiin pitch. Its tone is pure and mellow, making it suitable for expressing delicate and understated moods.
A large number of techniques are used when playing these wind instruments, such as tapping, appoggiatura, tremolo, legato, flower tongue, augment, glide, trill, overtone and prong. FamousDizitunes includeThe Golden Trembling Willows,Audience With the Emperor,Joyous Meeting,Five Clappers,The Partridge Soars,The Bird in the Shade, andScenic Suzhou.
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