The music of The Xi'An Si is performed on the following instruments:
Gu Zheng (Goo Jung)
The Gu Zheng is a twenty-one stringed plucked instrument that is part of the zither family. It first gained popularity during the Qin dynasty (221 - 206 B.C.) although it is know to have been in existence since the 'Warring States Period' three hundred years before. which is why today it has earned itself its 'gu' (ancient) prefix. It has a large resonant cavity made from 'wu tong' wood.The pitch of a given string is determined by the position of its individual bridge allowing the Gu Zheng to be tuned to any desired key.
The right hand is used to pluck the strings while the left is used to create subtle tones an ornaments such as string bends.The musician usually attaches plectrums to each finger, sometimes on both hands, depending on the piece being performed.
Er Hu (Arr Hoo)
The Er Hu is a two-stringed bowed instrument which was introduced to China over a thousand years ago. It is the most popular of a large family of Chinese bowed instruments or 'huqin' (hoo chin) family. It consists of a long vertical, stick-like, neck which is attached above a small resonating body. This body is traditionally covered with snakeskin on the string side.
The strings are usually a fifth apart in pitch while, unlike the violin, the bow is locked between the strings, allowing both side of it to be used to produce sound. The Er Hu
Pi Pa (Pee Pah)
The Pi Pa is a four-stringed plucked instrument with a pear-shaped wooden body which can be traced back to the Qin dynasty (221 - 206 B.C.). It has a short, bent neck with 30 high frets which extend from the neck down to the soundboard of the instrument. This allows the instruments a wide range and a chromatic scale.
The fingers on the right hand, like the Gu Zheng, are usually attached with plectrums. Unlike the guitar, the plucking fingers move outwards. The high frets allow the left hand to add a large amount of ornamentation to notes performed.
Di Zi (Dee Tsi)
The Di Zi is a transverse wooden flute, that is traditionally made from bamboo. It became popular during the Warring States Period (475 - 221 B.C.) although it originally appeared seven-thousand years ago.
Between the embouchure and the finger holes the Di Zi has an additional hole which controls the timbre of the instrument. A special membrane, made from an extremely thin shaving of a reed, is used to cover the hole. This allows the instrument its distinctive sound.
There are numerous, highly advanced techniques used in performing the Di Zi, and most professional players are expected to have a set of seven, for each key.