xiao
[Chinese]
Western Equivalent – flute
HISTORY:
The xiao, also known as dong xiao, is made of bamboo and originated over 2000 years ago. It was some time during the Tang and Sung Dynasty when the vertically-played flutes were categorized as xiao and those horizontally-played flutes as dizi.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
The xiao is often made from a nine-joint black bamboo with six finger holes, five at the front and one at the rear, and other 2-4 air holes at the lower end.
SOUND PROPERTIES:
Its sound is gentle and sweet which makes it most suitable for playing lyrical melodies.
