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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Y is for Yu

A Yu was a free reed wind instrument used in ancient China.  It was invented by Emperor Ching Yu, but after another emperor took over the popularity declined.  The man never actually knew how to play the instrument and was eventually found an imposter.  What a scandal!

They are made of multiple pipes of bamboo, each having a free reed also of bamboo.

There is also a percussion instrument called a Yu.  It is made from wood in the shape of a tiger with serated teeth.  It is played by striking the teeth with a bamboo whisk.  Unfortunately I couldn't find a picture.

13 comments:

  1. Oh cool! I bet it sounds very mystical.

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  2. I would like that instrument simply because it's made out of bamboo! I like bamboo very much! When ever I see bamboo trees I have to stop, feel and admire it!

    The percussion Yu sounds like an interesting piece to look upon and to hear!

    One more day, Heather! Patiently waiting!

    You have done a great job! I will still be your follower long after the challenge!

    http://bettyalark.blogspot.com

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  3. In addition to being an interesting post, this will also help me when I'm playing Words with Friends! (I am behind! Need to get my "Y" post up! :-)

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  4. Another one I've never heard of. You've really come up with some great stuff during this challenge! Have a great weekend :)

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  5. Darn, I was almost follower number 100. I'm into large round numbers for some unkown reason.

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  6. I've never heard of this but it appears as if it could double as a pair of chopsticks I could actually use.

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  7. What? No video? Now I want to hear a yu. Hmmm . . . I feel like a Dr. Suess imposter.

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  8. I never heard of this instrument, but it looks interesting.:)

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  9. How interesting - of course I never heard of this instrument, either. And of course I now want to know what it sounds like!

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  10. That's one weird looking instrument... wonder what it sounded like? I found you through a-z and am now following you.

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  11. The Yu looks fancifal. It must have sounded like a mini orchestra with all sorts of notes coming out of the pipes. So funny that it's held together with a more conventional pipe.


    http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.com/

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