EVOLUTION OF THE DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE TRADITIONS OF CHINESE LONGITUDINAL (XIAO 箫) AND TRANSVERSE (DI 笛) FLUTES: FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS TO THE PRESENT DAY

Liu Xiaowei

The subject of the study is Chinese longitudinal xiao and transverse di flutes as unique examples of traditional musical art, forming the basis of the national sound culture of China. The aim of the work is to comprehensively analyze the evolutionary path of the design and performance traditions of these instruments from archaeological evidence to the present state. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach combining historical and comparative analysis of archaeological finds with instrumental and acoustic methods, supplemented by cultural and historical analysis to identify the role of flutes in the musical tradition. The results of the study demonstrate the continuous eight-thousand-year history of the flute tradition in China, the radical transformation in the twentieth century through the creation of a national performing school and constructive innovations, and the successful synthesis of folk and academic traditions in modern composing practice. The novelty lies in the first comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis of the evolution of Chinese flutes, combining archaeological, historical and cultural aspects with the identification of key development factors at each historical stage. The conclusion confirms the organic integration of ancient traditions with modern innovations, creating a unique artistic product of international significance. Development prospects are associated with the continuation of the synthesis of traditions and innovations, the preservation of national identity in the context of globalization and the formation of an ethnic-academic performing style.

Keywords:Chinese flutes xiao and di, evolution of musical instruments, archeology of music, performing traditions.