Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-07-15
CHINESE OROHESTRA&
esMARkAsLE INSTRUMENTS or EAR
SPLITTING BANDS

r,....,,t,e,a Of sons Of The 0sssr I'ssk-
,ne I.vsasio.s frsn which Chinese
uu.,el.,s Extraes DslssEabls As'edy'
rr,ee, Of the Musical Devices
The ordinary Monaghan orchestra
.nch = is to be found usually dis
nen.inr .nnes for the delectaticn OF tho
rslestiai ears at the Chinese theaters IN
tins city. is composed Of ten pieces, and
each player has his peculiar instrument
ON which he is an adept de also Per,
forms upon it with an apparent etoicai
indifference rs to the scores Of his fellow
musicians
(. Thoroughly to equip an orchestra
with proper instruments entails cost
Of &69. so, which amount any nervous
householder who has ever had the mis-
fortune to reside within earshot OF one
at practice would be willing to advance
twice over in order to have 1t moved on.
After purchasing the instruments play
era are needed, and their services vary
in price. according to ability, experiences
and reputation. The Monaghan musi-
clan values his ability at from u to y
ner night. but if he has climbed the lad
der of fame he will demand from y to
$50 per night.
The drum, in the estimation OF the
Chinese musician, is the most important
instrument, which opinion issharsd like
wise by the juvenile American. A
Chinese drum costs twelve dollars, and
has much the same appearance as a key
constructed of light wood, covered with
cowhide. This instrument is beaten
with a pair Of heavy wooden sticks, ana
produces booming sound, which grows
extremely monotonous when 1t Is con-
tinued for several hours.
THE CHINESE GONG.
The alarm, or taps, is a Chinese musi.
cal device of peculiar construction. Ii
consists of framework of wood, upon
which is set a conical top of hard wood
covered with calfskin. Projecting from
the top of the frame is hollow square
the size of cigar box, covered with
rawbide. Sounds are produced by strik,
ing the top, which emits bass notes, and
the projecting hide covered square with
drumsticks. This tuneful instrument
costs $3.50.
The cymbals of the Chinese are Of
hammered brass, similar IN design &c
those used by American bands, and costs
eighteen dollars.
Brass gongs shaped much like tam.
BORNE are used by Mongolian musicians
in the makeup of their orchestra. A
first class gong can be bought for fifteen
dollars.
A gong of concave form and of very
lightweight, that gives forth tingline
sound, is another orchestral instrument
1t costs e.. so. Monaghan fiddles are OF
peculiar construction and emit sounds
/ which, from musical point OF view, are
as inharmonious as the instrument is nm
couth in appearance. Divested of it,
strings a Chinese fiddle has the same ap
pearance as mallet, with the handle
| long and hattened to about an inch IL
| width and an eighth of an inch in thick
ness.
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 malle'
head. What varied and discordan'
sounds are produced when the Chinese
| fiddler runs his bow across the strings
| And besides the Chinese have the temer
| ity to ask $3.50 for such device.
| THE BANJO, FLUTE, ETC.
The banjo of the heather may be very
appropriately likened to small sizet
frying pan with very long handle. Thu
drum is covered with snakeskin drawn
tight Three keys and four strings com
plete the instrument, which is sold fol
| five dollars.
The bass banjo is the size of a larg,
sized snare drum and about half tn,
depth. Four keys and the same number
of strings are used. The sum of S2.5(
will buy one for ordinary use.
A Chinese flute is purchaseable al
seventy five cents, if of ordinary max,
and without augmentation. 1t has tel
finger holes and gives vent to shrill ant
discordant notes, which delight Chinese
| Dut dptf thVso Va thO N'u
| casian.
| In some cases Chinese orchestras con
tain several futists, who, when together
appear to vie with each other in tn,
emitting of the most dismal and shril
tunes that ever lacerated human nerves
The clarinet is to the Monaghan wha
the cornet is to us. Its evident use is Il
add variety to the clamors of the drum.
| and cymbals and the discordant sound
| of flute and fiddle. 1t is n sort of medi
ator between all those revolutionary in
struments, and has a tendency to veneer
the discord, which apparently is the ba
sis of all Chinese music.
The Monaghan ear has become Injured
10 such strains, and to the child of tn,
Flowery Kingdom it speaks OF home
tragedy, love and revenge. So long a.
he does not take summary vengeanc,
upon his unsteady inclined fellow coun
trynen let him enjoy to the full the ag
onies of sound which Mongolian orches
tras produce. Francisco Chronicle
Red Hair the Fashion.
1