Chapter 111 Jiangnan Sizhu

Sizhu is a folk instrumental ensemble form, named after the main instruments are stringed instruments and bamboo wind instruments such as flutes and flutes.Its predecessor, some people think, is the "Xian Suo" popular in Suzhou area in Ming Dynasty.Sizhu has different names and styles in different places, among which the most famous is "Jiangnan Sizhu" which is popular in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. The Jiangnan Sizhu Orchestra is relatively flexible in organization. It uses the erhu and the flute as the two main instruments, and generally has three to five members, or as many as seven or eight members.Stringed instruments include xiaosanxian and pipa, percussion instruments include dulcimer, wind instruments include flute and sheng, and percussion instruments include drums, boards, wooden fish, and bells.The eight famous pieces of Jiangnan Sizhu are "Happy Song", "Yunqing", "Old Sanliu", "Slow Sanliu", "Zhonghua Liuban", "Slow Liupu", "Sihe Ruyi" and "Walking Street".In addition, music such as "Partridge Flying", "Liu Qingniang", "Neon Clothes Song" and "Upside Down Paddle" are also often played.

One of the biggest characteristics of Jiangnan Sizhu is its delicate performance style. In the ensemble, each instrument part is full of individuality and harmonious harmony. The techniques include complex and simple, high and low, adding flower variations, blocking and giving way, and improvisation. Using such techniques as possible, and gradually forming the style characteristics of "small, thin, light and elegant", it has had a far-reaching influence throughout the country.