Passion for Xiao

[everygreen]

I don't play but happened to listen to a piece by Mr. Tam Po-shek
from Hong Kong called Toll of the Temple Bell. I like this piece so much that i am investigating more about the mechanic of xiao. It expresses our innermost feeling and tells of our journey in life. The sound of Xiao resembling human voice.(ËÆÈËÉù).

I would like to know the difference type of xiao, 6 holes and 8 holes xiao, how many keys are there and an idea of the fingering?

Thanks you

[kyokuhon]

Hi, evergreen.
I apologize for all of us on the Xiao forum that we haven't answered your questions yet. Xiao is beautiful.
Basically, xiao come in two different sizes, so-called F-key and G-key (though I have seen one ad for a Bb-key xiao. Wish I had jumped for it.). The "key" refers to the note played by the xiao with the holes down to the middle one (4 on and 8-hole, 3 on a 6-hole) because that is the 1st note of the most commonly played scale on that size xiao. The lowest note on an "f'" xiao will be "C", the lowest on a "G" will be "D". Confusing, I know.
There are also two different shapes of xiao, one of long, straight bamboo (from the North? Please, someone who knows more correct me!) and the other shorter, but made with the root-end still on, like a Japanese shakuhachi (from the South?).
As the names imply, a 6-hole xiao has six finger holes (not counting tuning holes near the end of the bottom of the flute), an 8-hole xiao has eight. Fingering of a 6-hole xiao is more straightforward, but you can play in one or two more keys on an 8-hole xiao.
One of our respondents has posted fingering charts and beginning lessons on the web, but I can't remember who it was or how to get there, perhaps he will respond. Also, chineseculture.net offers several instruction books and VCDs for sale, though they're apparently most convenient if you're in the USA.
Good luck,
Kyokuhon.