This lovely volume documents an exhibition at the University of Hong Kong of 123 musical instruments dating from the Neolithic period to the 20th century. All of the items are from the Music Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Arts in Beijing. Many of the instruments have never been exhibited in public before.
Illustrated in full color are ancient wind, stringed, and percussion instruments as well as instruments used in ritual performances in the Bronze Age. Among the highlights are instruments from Chinaís unique minority cultures, instruments with religious functions such as those associated with Tibetan Buddhism, and instruments used in opera performances. Also included are documents related to music-making in ancient China.
