Chinese Instruments Featured in Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

I am so glad I watched the entire Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. I was unable to leave the room, even during commercials, for fear of missing any part of the most awesome live performance ever! Chinese musical instruments played a vital role in the performance, providing a glimpse into Chinese culture from many perspectives: historical, spiritual, and emotional. It's difficult to find words to describe this amazing performance. I encourage you to view these beautiful still photos (be sure to flip thru all the pages of photos).

We witnessed innovative use of Chinese musical instruments to not only provide music but set the mood and provide quite a light show! The 2008 drummers wowwed us by playing a version of an ancient Chinese instrument called the Fou drum. In its original form, I understand that it was a type of jug drum which is also seen in other cultures. If anyone knows where to get a drum like those used toward the beginning of the ceremony (even without the "light up" effect), I'd love to hear about it.



We heard the Chinese Guzheng during the calligraphy dancing performance.

         

Also spotted throughout performances were the Chinese Erhu, Chinese Pipa, and the ever popular Chinese Wind Gong.

Please let us know if you identified any other Chinese musical instruments during the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, or if you have any more information about the drums played by the 2008 drummers.