Sheng

/ʃɛŋ/ noun

Definition

A Chinese mouth organ consisting of bamboo pipes arranged around a windpipe, creating harmonic sounds.

Etymology

From Mandarin Chinese 'shēng,' a native word for this traditional instrument. The sheng has been used in Chinese music for over 2,000 years, with the oldest examples found in tombs.

Kelly Says

The sheng is one of the oldest harmonic instruments in the world, and Western orchestras have recently started incorporating it—some modern composers blend traditional Chinese sheng with violins and pianos, creating fascinating hybrid sounds!

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