What is the suona?

National musical instrument

In the 3rd century AD, suona was introduced to China from the Persian and Arabian areas. It is popular in the north and part of the south of China, i.e. Shandong, Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Northeast, Guangdong, Fujian and other places.

The sound of suona is majestic and loud, the body of the pipe is made of wood and is conical in shape, the upper end is fitted with a brass tube with a whistle, and the lower end is fitted with a brass trumpet mouthpiece (called a bowl), so it is commonly known as a trumpet. In Taiwan, it is known as drum blowing; in Guangdong, it is one of the "eight notes" instruments, and in Henan and Shandong, it is known as trumpet, which is famous for its repertoire of songs such as "Hundred Birds Paying Respect to the Phoenix" and "Carrying a Sedan Chair".

The suona is a high-pitched, majestic sounding instrument, which has been used in the past in folk songs, rice-planting songs, drumming classes and the accompaniment of local music and opera. After continuous development, rich playing skills, improve the expressive power, has become a solo instrument with characteristics, and used for national band ensemble or opera, song and dance accompaniment.