Dizi

The dizi, often called the “Chinese bamboo flute,” is one of the most popular instruments in traditional Chinese music. Made typically from bamboo, it can also be found in other materials such as jade, wood, or even stone. Jade dizi, also known as yudi (玉笛), are particularly sought after by collectors and some professional musicians for their beautiful appearance, though bamboo remains the preferred material due to its resonant quality. One of the unique features of the dizi is the dimo, a special membrane placed over an additional hole that gives the flute its distinctive resonating effect, resulting in a bright and buzzing tone.

History and Origins of the Dizi

The dizi is an ancient instrument with deep roots in Chinese history. There are many theories regarding its origin. Some legends suggest it was created by the Yellow Emperor, while other historical records indicate it may have been introduced to China during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) by Emperor Wudi’s messenger, Zhang Qian. However, archaeological evidence suggests that flutes existed in China for over 9,000 years, as indicated by the discovery of bone flutes in the Yellow River Valley, made from the bones of the red-crowned crane. These early flutes share similarities with modern dizi, including hole placement and basic construction. The first mention of the dizi membrane (dimo) appeared in the 12th century, suggesting that the distinctive buzzing tone of the dizi has been a part of its identity for centuries.

Anatomy of the Dizi

The dizi has a relatively simple but effective design, consisting of a bamboo rod with several holes:

• Mouthpiece: The player blows across the mouthpiece to produce sound, much like other transverse flutes.
• Finger Holes: The dizi typically features six finger holes, allowing the player to produce a variety of notes by covering and uncovering these holes.
• Membrane Hole (Mokong): This unique hole is covered with a dimo, a thin membrane that adds a buzzing quality to the sound, giving the dizi its characteristic timbre.
• Tuning Holes: Located at the end of the flute, these help adjust the pitch and overall tuning.

Types of Dizi

There are several types of dizi, each designed for specific musical contexts and styles:

Bangdi

The bangdi is shorter in length, available in keys like A, G, and F, and is known for its bright, high-pitched sound. It is often used for the energetic, lively melodies of Northern China.

Qudi

The qudi is longer and has a more mellow tone, often found in the keys of E, D, and C. It is well-suited for lyrical, expressive Southern Chinese music.

Xiaodi and Xindi

The xiaodi is a smaller dizi in keys like D, C, and B♭, featuring a sharp, commanding tone. The xindi (or dadi) comes in lower keys such as B♭, A, G, and F, and offers a deep, rich sound.

Koudi

The koudi is a very small bamboo flute, usually in the keys of D or G, with a bright and piercing sound. It lacks finger holes and relies on the player’s thumb positioning to alter the pitch, making it unique among Chinese flutes.

Playing Techniques and Styles

Regional Styles

Dizi playing is typically divided into two regional styles: Northern School (Beipai) and Southern School (Nanpai).

• Northern School (Beipai): This style uses the bangdi and is known for its lively and rhythmic playing. Techniques such as glissando, tremolo, flutter tonguing, and fast tonguing are commonly used.
• Southern School (Nanpai): This style uses the qudi, producing a more mellow and lyrical tone. Ornamentations like short trills, grace notes, and melodic turns are emphasized, giving the music an expressive, flowing character.

Advanced Techniques

Advanced dizi techniques include circular breathing for continuous play, flutter-tonguing, multiphonics, trills, and “flying finger” trills, all of which add depth and complexity to the instrument’s sound. Many professional dizi players have a set of multiple dizi to perform in different keys and styles, and some even use specialized dizi to mimic birdsong or achieve other distinctive effects.

Different Notes and Ornamentations

Southern Style Ornamentations

• Dieyin (Layering Note): A grace note added from one tone higher than the principal note, played with finger movement only.
• Dayin (Marking Note): Similar to dieyin but played from a tone lower than the principal note.
• Lianyin (Ripple Note): A short trill involving quick alternation with a neighboring note.
• Chanyin (Trembling Note): A long trill, often extending over multiple intervals.
• Zengyin (Gift Note): A soft, percussive sound produced by releasing a finger at the end of a phrase.

Northern Style Ornamentations

• Tuyin (Tongued Note): Notes are articulated with “T” or “TK” tonguing for emphasis or staccato effects.
• Huashe (Flower Tongue): A rolled “R” effect similar to a flutter tongue, often used in high registers.
• Huayin (Sliding Note): A portamento effect achieved by sliding fingers up or down the flute.
• Duoyin (Chopped Note): A sudden drop from a higher note to a principal note, adding dramatic flair to the performance.

Related Instruments

The dizi is part of a larger family of Chinese bamboo wind instruments:

• Xiao: A vertical, end-blown flute with a soft, mellow tone.
• Koudi: A very small flute with an extremely high pitch, lacking finger holes, often used for bright and piercing musical effects.
• Bawu: A free reed bamboo instrument that, unlike the dizi, uses a reed to produce sound.
• Guanzi: A double-reed bamboo wind instrument with a nasal tone, adding unique character to Chinese ensembles.