Chapter 298 Gong and "Ming Jin Sui Bing"

Gong is a common national musical instrument in my country. It has a long history, a wide variety, each with its own characteristics, and has a loud and clear sound. It is deeply loved by people of all ethnic groups. "Tongba, also known as Tongpan, from Xixu and Nanman" in "Old Tang Book·Music History" is the earliest record about "gong".After the Qin and Han Dynasties, with the exchanges between ethnic groups, the gongs gradually spread from the southwest to the inland.In ancient times, gongs were called "gold" and were used in wars. When two armies fought, they were often commanded by gongs.

In the Song Dynasty, gongs were used in the folk music form "guban".In the Yuan Dynasty, in addition to the gongs often played in folk Yingsai shrines, it was also the main accompaniment instrument for Zaju.In addition to being used in court "feasts", it was also popular among folks. At that time, the manufacture and performance of gongs had reached a certain level. With the development of opera art, gong has occupied an important position in the accompaniment of Kunqu Opera in Ming and Qing Dynasties.my country's gongs spread westward to Europe. In 1791, the French composer Gosek began to use gongs in orchestral works. It is the only Chinese instrument in the symphony orchestra.

Since the 20th century, gongs have been widely used in local opera, folk music, folk entertainment and festival activities, and participated in various band performances.