About Chinese Gongs

The Chinese gong is perhaps the most familiar and recognized member of the gong family. It is an instrument that defines music in the Far East, and today it can be heard in music played around the world.

Identification

A Chinese gong is a percussion instrument consisting of a large, flat metal disk hung vertically from a framework via cord, rope or strap. The disk and frame may or may not be decorated.

Function

The musician uses a beater to strike the gong, causing the disk to vibrate and create a tone. Typically, smaller gongs are struck with hard-tipped beaters, while larger gongs are struck with soft-tipped beaters.

Types

The most popular Chinese gong is the bullseye gong, also called a "chau" gong. Another popular gong is the opera gong, which is actually a pair of gongs, one larger and one smaller, used to signal the entrance and exit of characters in operas.

History

These gongs originated in China, though historians cannot say exactly where and when they first appeared. The suspended Chinese gong design was developed in the sixth century C.E. in the court of Emporer Wu.

Fun Fact

Many Americans are familiar with the Chinese gong because of its use in the 1970s TV game show "The Gong Show."