Musical instruments Cantonese opera

bāngzi (梆子) 1 of main instruments used in cantonese opera

cantonese instrumental music called ching yam before people s republic established in 1949. cantonese instrumental tunes have been used in cantonese opera, either incidental instrumental music or fixed tunes new texts composed, since 1930s.

the use of instruments in cantonese opera influenced both western , eastern cultures. reason canton 1 of earliest places in china establish trade relationships western civilizations. in addition, hong kong under heavy western influence when british colony. these factors contributed observed western elements in cantonese opera.

for instance, use of erhu (two string bowed fiddle), saxophones, guitars , congas have demonstrated how diversified musical instruments in cantonese operas are.

the musical instruments divided melodic , percussive types.

traditional musical instruments used in cantonese opera include wind, strings , percussion. winds , strings encompass erhu, gaohu, yehu, yangqin, pipa, dizi, , houguan, while percussion comprises many different drums , cymbals. percussion controls overall rhythm , pace of music, while gaohu leads orchestra. more martial style features use of suona.

the instrumental ensemble of cantonese opera composed of 2 sections: melody section , percussion section. percussion section has own vast body of musical materials, called lo gu dim (鑼鼓點) or lo gu (鑼鼓). these percussion patterns serve variety of specific functions.

to see pictures , listen sounds of instruments, visit page 1 , page 2.