Gongs are circular metal instruments, mostly made of copper. They have thick edges and relatively thinner centers, with devices for hanging, such as ropes or metal rings. When the gong surface is struck with a gong mallet, the gong surface vibrates. Since it is a large metal plane, it can cause strong vibrations of the surrounding air, producing a loud sound. The thinner central part is more flexible during the sound production process and plays a crucial role in the generation and propagation of sound. The large gongs used in large – scale celebrations can spread their sound over a long distance.
Playing Techniques
The timbre and rhythm are mainly controlled by different striking methods. Striking different parts of the gong surface with different parts of the gong mallet will produce different timbres. For example, striking the central part of the gong surface with the mallet head will produce a relatively loud and deep timbre, while striking the edge part with the mallet edge will produce a crisper and sharper timbre. In terms of rhythm, rapid and continuous strikes can create a tense and lively atmosphere. In folk wind and percussion music, gongs often cooperate with drums, enhancing the vitality of the music through rhythm changes. Meanwhile, the volume can also be changed by controlling the striking force. A gentle strike produces a soft sound, and a strong strike produces a grand sound.
Types and Application Scenarios
There are various types of gongs, such as large gongs, small gongs, and cloud gongs. Large gongs have a large diameter, with a low – pitched and loud sound, and are often used in large – scale sacrificial and celebration ceremonies or important scenes in operas. For example, in Peking Opera, when depicting the grand scene of the emperor’s appearance, the sound of the large gong can enhance the solemnity. Small gongs have a smaller diameter and a clear timbre, and are mostly used in operas to match the actors’ movements and expressions and play an embellishing role. Cloud gongs are instruments composed of multiple small gongs, arranged in a certain scale, and can play melodies, playing a unique role in some traditional instrumental ensembles. For example, in ancient court music performances, cloud gongs can add a sense of magnificence to the music.
II. Drum Category
Structure and Sound – producing Principle
The basic structure of a drum includes the drum shell, the drum head, and the drumsticks. The drum shell is usually a cylindrical shape made of wood or metal, acting as a resonator to amplify the sound. The drum head is usually made of animal skins (such as sheepskin or cowhide) or synthetic materials and is tightly stretched over the drum shell. The drumsticks are made of various materials such as wood and bamboo, and their shapes and sizes vary according to different drums. When the drum head is struck with a drumstick, the drum head vibrates, driving the air column inside the drum shell to vibrate. Due to the resonance of the drum shell, the vibration is amplified and propagated to produce sound. Different drum head materials and tightness will affect the timbre and pitch of the sound. For example, a thicker drum head may produce a lower – pitched sound after being struck, and a tightly stretched drum head will have a relatively higher pitch.
Playing Techniques
The playing techniques of drums are rich and diverse. Different striking positions on the drum will produce different timbres. Striking the center of the drum will produce a relatively deep and full sound, while striking the edge of the drum will produce a crisper and brighter timbre. In terms of rhythm, drummers can use techniques such as single – stroke, double – stroke, and roll to create rich rhythm patterns. Single – stroke is the most basic, that is, striking the drum once each time; double – stroke is to strike the drum twice quickly and continuously; roll is to quickly roll and strike the drum head continuously with the drumsticks, which can produce a continuous and strongly dynamic sound and is often used in some exciting music or dance accompaniment. In addition, the complexity and expressiveness of the performance can be increased by cross – handed drumming and simultaneously striking multiple drums.
Types and Application Scenarios
There are many types of drums, such as tanggu (hall drum), bangu (clapper drum), and yaogu (waist drum). Tanggu is relatively large in size and has a thick and deep sound. It is often used in folk band performances or large – scale celebration activities. For example, in the dragon and lion dance performances during the Spring Festival, tanggu is used to create a lively atmosphere. Bangu is an important instrument in opera orchestras. Its sound is clear and can provide precise rhythm for the actors’ singing and movements. It plays the role of conducting the orchestra in the performance of operas such as Peking Opera. Yaogu is a drum that is worn around the waist for playing. Its timbre is bright, and it can be played while dancing. It is widely used in some folk dances in northern China, such as the Ansai waist drum, showing a heroic style.
III. Cymbal Category
Structure and Sound – producing Principle
Cymbals are usually a pair of circular metal sheets, with a convex bowl – shaped structure in the middle part, called the cymbal bell. The edge part of the cymbal is relatively thin, and the overall shape is similar to two shallow dishes facing each other. Cymbals are generally made of copper or bronze, and their size and thickness vary according to different uses and musical styles. When playing, the two cymbals are struck against each other or the edge or the cymbal bell part of the cymbal is struck with a drumstick, and the cymbal will vibrate. Since the cymbal is made of metal, the vibration will cause strong fluctuations in the surrounding air, thus producing a loud and clear sound. The structure of the cymbal bell helps to focus and propagate the sound, making the sound more directional.
Playing Techniques
The playing techniques of cymbals include the striking method and the control technique. In terms of the striking method, the two cymbals can be struck parallel to each other to produce a clear “clang” sound. This sound is bright and clean and is used to emphasize the strong beat part of the rhythm. The cymbals can also be struck at an angle to produce a softer sound with a lingering sound, which is suitable for creating a soothing atmosphere. In terms of the control technique, the volume can be changed by controlling the striking force. A gentle strike produces a lighter sound effect, and a stronger strike produces a loud sound. In addition, the edge of the cymbal can be held by hand, and special sound effects can be produced by rubbing or slightly shaking the cymbal, such as in some mysterious and quiet musical scenes.
Types and Application Scenarios
There are various types of cymbals, such as small cymbals, medium cymbals, and large cymbals. Small cymbals have a higher timbre and quick response and play a role in the fast – rhythm part of folk music or small – scale instrumental ensembles and can add a lively atmosphere. Medium cymbals have a more balanced timbre and a wide range of application scenarios. They are often used in both traditional opera orchestras and folk wind and percussion music. Large cymbals have a low – pitched and grand sound and are generally used in large – scale celebration and sacrificial ceremonies or symphony concerts. They cooperate with instruments such as gongs and drums to enhance the momentum of the music.
IV. Wooden Fish Category
Structure and Sound – producing Principle
The wooden fish is generally carved from wood and is shaped like a fish and comes in different sizes. Its interior is solid, and usually, there is a striking surface on the fish’s mouth or back. The material of the wooden fish is mostly hardwood such as sandalwood, which can ensure better timbre and durability. When the wooden fish’s striking surface is struck with a wooden fish mallet, the wooden structure of the wooden fish vibrates. Since the wooden fish is solid, the vibration is directly transmitted to the surrounding air, producing a short and crisp sound. The frequency and timbre of the sound depend on the size, material of the wooden fish, and the striking force.
Playing Techniques
The playing techniques of the wooden fish mainly lie in the rhythm of the strike. Rhythms can be created through single – strike, double – strike, and continuous – strike methods. Single – strike means striking the wooden fish once each time and is used for simple rhythm guidance or to emphasize certain specific notes. Double – strike is to quickly strike the wooden fish twice in a row and can produce a slightly more complex rhythm pattern. Continuous – strike is to strike the wooden fish continuously and quickly and is used to create a tense or lively atmosphere. In addition, the timbre can also be fine – tuned by changing the material of the wooden fish mallet (such as a hard mallet and a soft mallet) or the striking position (such as the fish head and the fish tail part).
Types and Application Scenarios
The wooden fish comes in different sizes. The large wooden fish has a low – pitched and heavy sound and is used in Buddhist chanting ceremonies or large – scale traditional instrumental ensembles to create a solemn and steady atmosphere. The small wooden fish has a crisper sound and often appears in folk music or small – scale religious ceremonies. As a simple rhythm instrument, it assists other instruments or human voices. The wooden fish is particularly important in Buddhist music. Its sound is considered to help practitioners concentrate, and its rhythm often matches the rhythm of chanting.
V. Bangzi Category
Structure and Sound – producing Principle
Bangzi are usually composed of two hard wooden sticks with different lengths and thicknesses. One is a circular wooden stick, called the bangzi stick, and the other is a rectangular wooden block with a hollow part, called the bangzi groove. The bangzi stick is usually used to strike the bangzi groove. The materials of both are mostly hard woods such as jujube wood. When the bangzi stick strikes the bangzi groove, the bangzi groove vibrates. Due to its wooden structure and the hollow part, the vibration will cause the surrounding air to vibrate, producing a firm and loud sound.
Playing Techniques
The playing of bangzi mainly produces different effects by controlling the rhythm and force of the strike. The rhythm of the strike can be a uniform slow rhythm, used to create a steady atmosphere; it can also be a fast rhythm to enhance the sense of tension or cheerfulness. In terms of force, a strong strike can produce a strong and loud sound, suitable for highlighting the key points of the rhythm when needed; a gentle strike will produce a relatively soft sound, used to match relatively soothing music passages.
Types and Application Scenarios
There are various types of bangzi, which are widely used in different local operas and folk music. For example, in Bangzi opera, bangzi is a characteristic instrument that controls the rhythm and heightens the atmosphere. Its timbre is firm and loud. According to the differences in opera types and regions, there are differences in its shape and playing method, and it is often used in combination with instruments such as banhu. In some folk dance music, bangzi is also used to provide a clear rhythm to guide the steps of the dancers.
