Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1891-09-11
CHINESE ORCHESr RAS.


some OF the Remarkable lnstrumontD 81
their Ear-Splittlng Bands.
The ordinary Mongolian orchestra,
such as is to be found usually dispens-
ing tunes for the delectaton of Celes-
tial ears at the Chinese theaters IN this
city, is composed of ten pieces, and
each player has his peculiar instru-
ment, on which he is an adept. He
also performs upon it with an appar-
ent stoical Indifference as to the scores
of his fellow musicians.
Thoroughly to equip an orchestra
with proper instruments entails q
cost of sixty-pine dollars and fifty
cents, which amount any nervous house.
holder who has ever had the misfor-
tune to reside within earshot of one at
practice would be willing to advance
twice over in order to have it moved on.
After purchasing the instruments play
ers are needed, and their services vary
in price, according to ability, expert
ness and reputation. The Monaghan
musician values his ability at from
one dollar to two dollars per night, but
If he has climbed the ladder of fame he
will demand from five . twenty dollars
per night.
The drum, in the estimation of the
Chinese musician, is the most impor-
tant instrument, which opinion is
shared likewise by the juvenile Amer
lean. A Chinese drum costs twelve dol
lars and has much the same appear
ance as keg constructed of light
wood, covered with cowhide. This in
strument is beaten with pair of
heavy wooden sticks, and produces
booming sound, which grows extreme
ly monotonous when it is continued for
several hours.
The alarm, or taps, is Chinese must
cal device of peculiar construction. 1t
consists of a framework of wood, upc
which is set conical top of hard wood
covered with calfskin. Projecting
from the top of the frame is a hollow
square the size of a cigar box, covered
with rawhide. Sounds are produced
by striking the top, which emits base
notes, and the projecting Undiscovered
square with drum sticks. This tuneful
instrument costs three dollars and a
half.
The cymbals of the Chinese are OF
hammered bra Sc, similar in design to
those used by American bands and cost
eighteen dollars.
Brass gongs shaped much like tam
BORNE are used by Mongolian musicians
in the makeup of their orchestras. A
first-class gong can be bought for fifteen
| dollars.
A gong of concave form and very
light weight, that gives forth tingling
sound, is another orchestral instrument.
| 1t costs two dollars and fifty cents.
Mongolian fiddles are of peculiar con-
struction and emit sounds which, from
| musical point of view, are as inhar-
| monious as the instrument is uncouth
in appearance. Dlvested of its strings
a Chinese fiddle has the same appear
ance as mallet, with the handle long
Land fattened to about an inch in width
| and an eighth of an inch in thickness.
In the lower part of the handle are in
serted two keys, one above the other.
To each of the keys are attached two
strings of horsehair or catgut; the other
ends are firmly wound about the NAL
let head. What varied and discordant
sounds are produced when the Chinese
fiddler runs his bow across the strings!
And besides the Chinese have the IT,
merity to ask seven dollars and fifty
cents for such device.
The banjo of the heather may be
very appropriately likened to a small
sized frying-pan with a very long han
die. The drum is covered with snake
skin drawn tight Three keys and foar
strings complete the instrument, which
is sold for five dollars.
The bass banjo is the size of large
sized snare drum and about half the
depth. Four keys and the same mum
Der of strings are used. The sum OF
two dollars and a half will buy one fol
ordinary use.
A Chinese flute is purchased at sew
enty-fve cents if of ordinary make and
without ornamentation. 1t has ter
finger holes, and gives vent to shrill
and disc ordant notes, which delight
Chinese ears, but CRATE upon those Of
the Caucasian.
In some cases Chinese orchestras con
tain several flutists, who when togeth
err, appear to vie with each other in the
emitting of the most dismal and shrill
tunes that ever lacerated human nerves.
The clarinet is to the Mongolian what
the cornet is to us. It's evident use is
to add variety to the clamors of the
drums and cymbals and the discordan
sounds of flute and fiddle. 1t is sor
of mediator between all those revolu
tionary instruments, and has tenden
cy to veneer the discord, which appar
emily is the basis of all. Chinese music
The Monaghan ear has become in
ured to such strains, and to the child o.
the Flowery Kingdom it speaks o.
home, tragedy, love and revenge. 81
as long as he does not take summary
vengeance upon his unsteady inclined
fellow countrymen let him enjoy to tn,
full the agcnies of sound which tn,
Monaghan orchestras produce.
Francisco Chronicle.
The Progressive Women.