Resources - Chao Feng Chinese Orchestra

Instruments

The following is a brief but sufficient description of almost all of the instruments used in the Orchestra. Part of the information sourced from Singapore Chinese Orchestra Company Limited.

For an explanation in Chinese , click on the link below:

中國民族樂器-中文介紹，請點擊以下連綫:

www.hkjycco.org.hk/inst_info/wind.html

General Orchestral Layout

The layout of today’s Chinese orchestra is very similar to that of the symphony orchestra. The number of players in an orchestra can vary from a minimum of 20 to as many as 100.The orchestra is divided into 4 sections, classified by the type of instruments, namely the woodwind, string, plucked string and percussion. A few western instruments have also been incorporated into the orchestra, like the cello and the double bass that provided the lower notes which are necessary for a better instrumental blend.

Basically, Chinese musical instruments are catergorised by the method of their sound production. Thus, woodwind instruments are blown, plucking instruments are plucked, stringed instruments are bowed and percussion instruments are struck. However, it should be noted that different orchestras may position each section differently.