0210 - Chinese Scientists Carry Out Research On Ancient Bronze Chime Bells....Back

Chinese Scientists Carry Out Research On Ancient Bronze Chime Bells. A group consisting of the experts in casting, dynamics, laser scientific history and archaeology has achieved marked results in the research on 78 bronze chime bells unearthed in Henan Province, central China. The chime bell is kind of ancient percussion instrument. Each bell can produce two tones and the tone-system is precise and harmonious. All the bells in lines join in the performance. The bells in the shape of knobs are made of bronze and tin through the pottery mould casting process. The research furnishes an answer as to the reason why the ancient chime bells can produce melodious sounds. It makes the argument untenable that ancient Chinese musical instruments have only a five-tone scale and confirms that a seven-tone scale with a complete 12 chromatic semi-tones had appeared as early as 2000 years ago. All these gains will help to inherit and carry forward the scientific heritage of the Chinese musical instruments.