Bangu (板鼓)

Elevated Tone Workshop, Guangzhou (Canton)

19th century · Wood, skin, metal · Musical Instruments

The interior of the bangu has six wood wedges held together by a brass belt and tightly stretched cowhide. When struck, this small drum produces a sharp, dry sound to signal the different tempi of the piece. Several sounds may be produced depending on where it is struck. Used in Chinese opear by the percussionist who plays many different instruments and is the ensemble’s leader, responsible for setting the rhythm, linking scenes, emphasizing the action and punctuating the singing and speech. This is accomplished by a rich variety of gongs, drums, cymbals and wood blocks. The following examples are a few of the essentials

Artist

Elevated Tone Workshop, Guangzhou (Canton)

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood, skin, metal

Culture

Chinese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889