Get to know the Chinese sheng, an instrument whose name invokes peace, harmony and balance between humans, nature and the universe. The sheng has a history stretching back many centuries, and is the ancestor of all freereed instruments (such as the accordion, and the freereed stops on the organ). It also inspires today’s composers, from China and around the world. Virtuoso sheng player Wu Wei demonstrates the versatility of his instrument, and how to prepare and tune it (including where to pour the hot water in!).

Discover the rest of our videos on the woodwind section in our playlist:    • Woodwind Instruments (Philharmonia Or...  

CHAPTERS
00:05 Introducing the sheng
00:39 Parts of the sheng
03:14 Mounting the reed (part I)
06:33 Meaning of sheng
07:56 Chinese music
13:03 Mounting the reed (part II)
13:41 Tuning
16:10 Production of sound
17:49 Hot water
19:18 Different sizes
20:07 Learning the sheng

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