The term Chinese orchestra is most commonly used to refer to the modern Chinese orchestra that is found in China and various overseas Chinese communities. This modern Chinese orchestra first developed out of Jiangnan sizhu ensemble in the 1920s into a form that is based on the structure and principles of a Western symphony orchestra but using Chinese instruments. The orchestra is divided into four sections – wind, plucked strings, bowed strings, and percussion, and usually performs modernized traditional music called guoyue. The orchestra may be referred to as Minzu Yuetuan or Minyuetuan in mainland China, Chung Ngok Tuen in Hong Kong, Huayuetuan in Southeast Asia, or Guoyuetuan in Taiwan.
Set of bronze bells (Bianzhong) from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, 433 BC.
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, one of the foremost modern Chinese orchestras
Musicians in a plucked string section in a Chinese orchestra.
Two Pipa players of the NENU Folkloric Orchestra playing in a concert in Valencia.
The dizi, is a Chinese transverse flute. It is also sometimes known as the di or héngdi, and has varieties including Qudi, Bangdi, and Xindi. It is a major Chinese musical instrument that is widely used in many genres of Chinese folk music, Chinese opera, as well as the modern Chinese orchestra. The dizi is also a popular instrument among the Chinese people as it is simple to make and easy to carry.
Dizi (instrument)
Close-up of the di mo on a dizi, as well as the metal joint of a dizi.
A Zhudi and a Zhongruan interpreter, from the NENU Folklorical Orchestra.
Detail of the 12th century Song Dynasty painting Night Revels of Han Xizai depicting two dizi players, with three guan (ancient oboe-like instrument) players and one paiban (wooden clapper)