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Chinese Gongs
Chinese gongs are not only used to create music. Indeed, over
the centuries it has been used for communication, for commemoration of an event
and even for healing.
Music has always been part of our lives. And the type of music that is enjoyed
by different nations reflects who they are as a culture. That is the reason why
there are types of music and musical instruments that are indigenous to a
particular country only, and yes, these instruments are often recognized as one
that is part of the nation that has brought it about for the world to know of.
But of course, even if they are known in one country, they also receive
popularity in others. One of these instruments is the gong.
What it is
It is a musical instrument that is shaped like a disk. It can either be big or
small, depending on how it is to be used and what sounds you want to come from
it. It is a percussion instrument, which means that it produces a sound when it
is hit. The object usually used to strike this is the mallet. If you have seen
those sticks that strike a drum, the mallet is similar to that. It is like a
drumstick with a rounded head. Unlike a drum, however, where you can freely hit
any part of its surface area, the gong is usually hit at the center because it
is where it vibrates the sound that we so commonly associate with it.
This musical instrument is usually made of the metals bronze or brass, but it
has also been known to be made of other metals. The metal it is made of
typically reflects what sound it produces. Thus, if you are looking for a
specific sound or pitch, it is important that you know what metal would likely
produce that sound and purchase a gong that is made of that metal.
This instrument not only varies in the type of metal it is made of, but also how
it is constructed. There are said to be three types of this musical tool: the
suspended, the bosses and the bowl. The first type refers to the placement of
the instrument. As the name implies, it is suspended or elevated. They are also
usually flat and disc- shaped. The second type refers to the shape of the
instrument, which seemingly looks like a bowl or a wide- spaced bell. Typically,
this type rests on a cushion. The third type refers to how its center, where the
mallet hits, look like. Like the first type, it is suspended. But unlike the
first, it is not entirely flat shaped for its center is propped out.
What its uses are
In China, how they use this musical instrument gives us an insight to their
beliefs and their culture. For instance, they use it to communicate to the
spirits and encourage these spirits to shield them from harm. It is also used in
commemorating an important event or in announcing this event. One need only to
strike its center for a number of people to know that there is something
important happening. There are also those who believe that it has a healing
effect, if it is struck in a way that produces calming and soothing sounds. And
of course, this instrument is mainly used for creating and accompanying music.
It can set the flavor for the bass tone.
Truly, Chinese gongs are not only appreciated for the music it brings, but also
for the insight it gives us into a country's culture.
About the Author
Ashby Ryans writes an article about Chinese Gongs and how it is used that gives
us an insight into the culture of another country. Simply visit this site for
information at
http://www.yourworldinstruments.com/gong-s/64.htm