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| Bianzhong (Collected Bronze Bells) |
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This instrument, listed as "metal", heads the bayin classifications.
Its long history dates back to the Shang dynasty (1766-1122BC),
when a set of 3 bronze bells was common, though the earlier pottery
type of the late Stone Age was unearthed in Shaanxi province. From
the 5th to the 3rd century BC the number of bells was increasing,
mostly to 9 and a few to 13.
The largest set ever seen was from the tomb of Zenghou Yi (the
5th century BC) in Hubei province. This archaeological find has
become a focus of world academic attention. The set consists of
64 bells, hung in three layers. The upper ones are called niuzhong,
i.e. bells with bronze loops for vertical suspension; those on
the two lower layers are called yongzhong, i.e. bells with handles
for suspension at a slight angle. Because of the bells shape two
different pitches, a major or minor third apart, can be produced
on any of the bells, depending on the two striking locations,
the frontal or the lateral. 12 semi-tones are found in the set,
with a total range of 5 octaves.
The inscriptions on the bells unite to form a literature of a
large tone system, valuable sources for the study of the musical
culture in the period of the Warring States (475-221 BC). With
the construction for two different pitches from a single bell
and the unique casting technology, the bianzhong has established
itself as the eighth wonder of the world. |
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