Influence of traditional Chinese flutesThe Chinese flute is a beautiful instrument that can be dated to Neolithic China. She is known for her sweet melodies and sounds that imitate nature (The Chinese Membrane Flute). Traditional Chinese flutes have greatly influenced the construction of the modern flute. Traditional flutes in China were made of animal bones and had holes to blow into, just like the structure of the modern flute. World-renowned symphonies and orchestras use modern flutes to express gentle melodies and a close-to-nature feel. The construction of the modern flute derives from ancient China. There are many types of Chinese flutes. The first flute is the peaceiao, or pan flute (Chinese flute). Many changes have been made since the peaceiao, and blown-tipped flutes became more popular during the Han dynasty. This end-blown flute is called the xiao. The xiao is made of bamboo and has a soft tone. It is blown vertically and has five finger holes with a thumb hole on the back (Xiao Musical Instrument). The newer traditional flute is called a dizi, or di, for short. Unlike the peaceiao or the xiao, the di is a transverse flute that is played horizontally (Di Musical Instrument). The unique sound of the di characterizes many aspects of Chinese music, from its elegance in operas to military marching bands. Although there are many types of traditional Chinese flutes, the structure of these flutes was a key factor in the development of the modern flute. Theobald Boehm has been credited with developing the standard structure of the flute. His flute is made of silver and has a cylindrical body. The Boehm flute is played horizontally and has an enlarged mouthpiece, i.e. a hole for blowing. The keys for the notes have a block...... middle of paper......traditional flute. Old or new, the two types of flutes complement each other and have an enormous influence on each other. The traditional Chinese flute has left a mark on the modern flute and its impact has evolved into what a flute is defined today. Works Cited “Chinese Flute”. Dizi and Xiao Chinese flute. Np, and Web. February 16, 2014. “Di Musical Instrument”. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, nd Web. February 16, 2014. “Shen Yun Performing Arts.” Dizi bamboo flute. Shen Yun Performing Arts, 2014. The web. February 15, 2014. “Xiao Musical Instrument. » Encyclopedia Britannica online. Encyclopedia Britannica, nd Web. February 16, 2014. Carole, Miller B. “A Historical Timeline of the Flute.” » A historical timeline of the flute. Mostlywind, December 5, 2011. Web. February 16, 2014. Chen, Gia Tsai. “The Chinese membrane flute (dizi).” The Chinese membrane flute (dizi). Np, March 2004. Web. February 15. 2014.