Grand Chinese New Year Concert 2006: Suona solo by Hou Yanqiu

by Wu Promotion 吴氏策划 Title: Joyce (喜悦） Soloist： Hou Yanqiu 侯彦秋 Orchestra: China Traditional Orchestra of Zhejiang Venue: KKL Luzern The suona 唢呐 The suona is an ancient wind instrument with many variants in the whole Asian continent. It is constituted by a conical wooden body and a detachable metal bell; the sound is produced by blowing into a metal bocal to which a small double reed is affixed. Like other Chinese traditional instruments, the suona originated in the Middle-East, was popular in Central Asia by the Western Jin Dynasty (265 - 317 AD) and was introduced into China between the XII and XIV centuries (i.e. in the Song or Yuan Dynasty). It is widely used in both artistic performances and religious ceremonies. It has an impressive volume and strident tone quality that make it especially appropriate for ensembles performing outdoor, for example during festivals and parades. In large Chinese orchestras the suona comes in many versions, which include the soprano, alto, tenor and bass suona. Recorded by Swiss Television Ed.: 浙江文艺音像出版社