The basic unit of the aria consists of two poetic lines or sentences with either seven or 10 Chinese characters each. The number of couplets is dictated by the plot, as is the number of arias per scene. Nowadays the lyrics to the arias are displayed on screens situated on the main floor of the theater, one on each side of the stage. Musical instruments used in Chinese opera. The orchestra, wen wu chang, is typically a small ensemble of about six or seven musicians situated at one side of the stage.
Experienced musicians know the music so well that they usually perform from memory.
The conductor is the percussionist who plays a drum and wooden clappers. The orchestra may also include a bamboo flute and an oboe. The musical accompaniment also punctuates the spoken parts. The various gongs are also used to coordinate the action as well as the position and personality of each character as the plot develops. The large gong is used in serious, exciting, and formal situations or settings, such as a government office or a military post, and also to accompany the actions of the sheng and ching roles.