About Chinese Orchestra

The term Chinese orchestra broadly includes Chinese music, folk music, opera music, religious music, percussion music, rap and even ancient Chinese works of music. A more narrow description would be that it refers to the use of modern playing methods (solo, duo, trio, symphony etc.) applied to traditional instruments to create music.

Chinese Orchestra Knowledge

“Pentatonic” is the scale forms the basis of most Chinese music where five notes are used per octave (as opposed to the seven commonly seen).

“Gongdiao” is a musical term. “Gong” is the note at the starting point on the scale and “diao” refers to all the other notes.

“Shier Lu” is an ancient Chinese tuning device. It was traditionally made from bamboo cut into different lengths to make different notes.

“Suyue” is a type of traditional folk music. It was typically used as ceremonial dance music by the ruling class, but it’s origins begin in traditional folk music.

“Yayue” is a form of classsical Chinese music that was performed at imperial courts. Incorporated in Yayue were elements of shamanistic or religious traditions, as well as early Chinese folk music.