qu di
musical instrument
Quick Summary
The qu di is a transverse bamboo flute used in traditional Chinese music, particularly for accompanying kunqu opera. It is characterized by a membrane over a hole between the mouth hole and finger holes, which produces a distinctive sound. The qu di is approximately 2 feet (60 cm) long and has a two-octave range. While transverse flutes likely existed earlier, the di name specifically refers to these side-blown instruments today, with the qu di being one of two major types, distinguished by its use in opera accompaniment.1
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