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Ancient China: bells and court music
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Genre
Ancient China: bells and court music · At the court of the Zhou dynasty, from around 1100 BC, every ritual was accompanied by music of bronze bells, stone chimes and drums. The most famous example came to light in 1978 in Hubei: the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, buried in 433 BC, with 65 bronze bells on a wooden rack. Each bell gives two notes, depending on where you strike it, and the note names are cast into them.
Listening
Listening tip. This recording was played on a replica of the bells of Marquis Yi; the melody is a modern arrangement. Listen to how each bell sounds short and clear and quickly dies away, and how the low and high bells together make a melody.
Bianzhong Chime Bell Solo · Hubei Song and Dance Ensemble, 1989- Music of the Chu Palace · Hubei Song and Dance Ensemble, 1989
- Concert of the Eight Tones · Hubei Song and Dance Ensemble, 1989
See also
Categories: Genres