Bianzhong

The Chinese chime (Chinese编钟/编钟, bianzhong Pinyin, English Chinese Chime Bells ) is an ancient Chinese musical instrument that consists of a set of bronze bells played melodically. The bells are hung in a wooden frame and struck with mallets. Depending on its size, it is played by one or more persons. Along with the sound stone game ( bianqing ) it is a very old and important instrument in Chinese ritual and court music.

The number of bells is different, a standard set earlier consisted of 16 bells, but there are also other sets, including those from 13 or even of 65 bells (1 Bozhong, 45 and 19 Yongzhong niuzhong in the grave of the Marquis Yi of Zeng ).

Different sets of bianzhong been imported into Korea's court music during the time of the Song Dynasty. In Korea, the instrument under the name pyeonjong is known. The instrument is in Korean court music still in use.

Archaeological finds

The oldest instruments date from the Shang period and have a history of 3500 years. The discovery of the great carillon from the grave of the Marquis Yi of Zeng (after 433 BC) from the early period of the Warring States has in its splendor numerous other recent discoveries made ​​in the shade, but they are music history as well of great interest. This includes, for example, the finding from the Chu- grave of Changtaiguan in Xinyang, Henan province with its 13 bells.

In recent years, various chimes of the local peoples were excavated from the time of the Warring States to the Han Dynasty in China's south and southwest, including discoveries in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi and out of the grave of the King of Nanyue in Guangzhou (Canton ).

Famous historical instruments

• Chimes of the Marquis Yi of Zeng (after 433 BC)
• Chimes of Xinyang ( Chu- grave in Changtaiguan )
• Chimes of the Marquis of Cai ( " Shouxian ", Anhui )
• Chimes of the Marquis Su of Jin晋侯 稣( Jin hou Su bianzhong晋侯 稣 编钟)
• Chimes of the King of Nanyue (Canton)