Xiao

The Xiao has two separate types, which are Dong Xiao and Qin Xiao. Both of them are single-pipes and vertical blow. The Xiao is a very ancient Han nationality, wind instrument. 

The Xiao has a long history, a mellow and soft tone, quiet and elegant, suitable for solo and ensemble. 

It is generally made of bamboo with blowholes at the upper end. According to the number of “sound holes”, it is divided into a six-hole flute and an eight-hole flute. The sound holes of the six-hole flute are the first five and the second one, and the eight-hole flute is the first seven and the second one. The eight-hole flute is the product of modern improvements. Check the video.

East Asia. by United States. Central Intelligence Agency, Public Domain via Library of Congress

The origin of the flute can be traced back to ancient times. Archeology has proved that there are aging sound generators found in the unearthed cultural relics that existed for more than 7,000 years ago, and archaeological discoveries of the early “bone harrier” (Hemu Ferry, Zhejiang) unearthed cultural relics, Zhejiang Museum).

Rocked with Star!

Let’s enjoy the sound of this instrument through this wonderful performance by Tang Junqiao.

Learn more about Tang Junqiao

Tang Junqiao, born in Anshan, Liaoning, is a Xiao player. She is a professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and a postgraduate tutor. She graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Tang Junqiao studied the Xiao with her father Tang Dezhong since she was a child and won the gold medal in the Youth Instrumental Music Competition many times in her youth. Tang Junqiao’s bamboo flute playing technique is compatible with North and South, has a deep foundation, skilled skills, mellow and beautiful timbre, and is extremely expressive and appealing.