Evolution of Chinese Bamboo Flutes and Flute Music from Six-Hole to Eight-Hole Flutes

Abstract

The flute is the oldest known musical instrument in China, with the six-hole bamboo flute representing a traditional fixed form. In the context of todays diverse musical culture, the traditional six-hole bamboo flute faces significant limitations when handling various stylistic compositions. In contrast, the eight-hole flute incorporates strengths from Western musical culture, enabling it to both maintain traditional characteristics and perform modern musical works. This paper, based on experimental and literature research methods, aims to elucidate the impact of the evolution from the six-hole to the eight-hole bamboo flute on the development of Chinese bamboo flute and flute music. The paper is divided into three parts. Firstly, it provides an overview of the basic structures of the six-hole and eight-hole bamboo flutes. Secondly, through flute music analysis, it explores the advantages of the eight-hole bamboo flute and the developmental relationship between bamboo flutes and flute music. The third part involves a new perspective on the development of bamboo flutes and flute music, contemplating how to coexist more effectively with the diverse music of the world.