Introductory Textbook for Xiao: Simplified Notation

Author: Qu Xiang Qu Guangyi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-05-01
Features: This book is designed for a broad audience of Xiao players and can also serve as a reference for professional teaching or for Dizi players who wish to learn the Xiao. It is both accessible to the general public and professional in scope, which is the guiding principle behind its creation. Considering the needs of Xiao enthusiasts, the book provides in-depth yet easy-to-understand explanations of Xiao-related knowledge, playing techniques, and suggests simple yet effective practice methods. Through systematic and progressive exercises, it gradually guides learners into the realm of Xiao performance art. In this sense, the book is not just a general introductory manual but also a systematic and somewhat profound one. For learners with a background in Dizi playing, there may be two aspects of adaptation when starting to play the Xiao: First, the reed opening is larger, making it difficult to meet the requirements for Xiao playing; second, the finger holes are not привычные (unfamiliar), as exemplified by the eight-hole Xiao: the left-hand thumb, index, and middle fingers, as well as the right-hand ring and pinky fingers, press different holes compared to a standard Dizi. By practicing or sight-reading the exercises in this book from simple to advanced, learners can adapt smoothly to the Xiao within a short period. The Xiao Beginner’s Manual is suitable for learners of traditional six-hole, seven-hole, and eight-hole Xios. Starting from the basics, the book systematically and progressively includes 115 practice pieces, folk songs, operatic excerpts, solo pieces (including fragments), and ensemble pieces. It strives to be systematic, scientific, and practical. Additionally, the book features 17 classical, folk, transplanted foreign, and newly composed solo Xiao pieces for readers of different levels to choose from. All these practice pieces and melodies are arranged as teaching-friendly scores.