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Blow Hole
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Finger Hole |
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Similar to the Dizi, the Xiao also has a history
of over 2,000 years, and traces its origin to the Han Dynasty
when it was called Giandi. It was in the Tang and Sung Dynasty,
when the Dizi began to be played in an upright position that
the name Xiao was adopted.
The ancient Xiao was made up of 16 or 24 bamboo pipes of various
lengths, each with a hole at the top for the player to blow.
These bamboo pipes were then placed onto a bird-shaped stand,
an instrument which we now call Paixiao. The Xiao has a soft
and leaving tone, which makes it a suitable instrument for the
performance of lyrical works. However, it is also effective
as both a solo instrument and ensemble instrument, and is often
played in the accompaniment of song. |
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