How the hichiriki makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the hichiriki belongs to the double-reed instruments: two reeds beat against each other – oboes, bassoons, shawms and the duduk.
More broadly it is one of the aerophones (wind instruments), where sound comes from vibrating air.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The hichiriki (篳篥) is a double reed Japanese fue (flute) used as one of two main melodic instruments in gagaku music. It is one of the "sacred" instruments and is often heard at Shinto weddings in Japan. Its sound is often described as haunting.
The hichiriki is derived from the Chinese guan, which was imported into Japan during the Tang dynasty. According to scholars, the hichiriki emerged after the 12th century when the popularity of the Chinese melodies in Japan called tōgaku waned.
Other double-reed instruments
More instruments from Japan
Frequently asked questions
What does a hichiriki sound like?
As one of the double-reed instruments, its sound comes from the way two reeds beat against each other.
What type of instrument is the hichiriki?
It is classified as double-reed instruments (Hornbostel–Sachs 422.111.2).
Where does the hichiriki come from?
The hichiriki originates from Japan.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q425748 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Hichiriki – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Youtetsu – Public domain