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What causes the sliding pitch effect of the small gong in Peking opera?
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Chinese performing arts
Contemporary kunqu performer.
In Peking opera (jingxi), the sliding pitch effect of the small gong (luo) is caused by its specific physical design. The gong is approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter and features a face that is slightly curved, with the exception of a flat center spot. This construction is intentionally engineered so that the tone and pitch of the instrument rise rapidly each time it is struck, creating the characteristic "sliding" sound associated with the Beijing musical style.1