Trompeta china
Encyclopedia
The trompeta china a Cuban traditional wind instrument, is actually the Chinese suona
, an instrument in the oboe
family introduced to Cuba
by Chinese immigrants
during the colonial period (specifically the late nineteenth century).
The trompeta china is used primarily in Cuban carnival
music, particularly in the eastern region of Santiago
, where it is an integral part of the comparsa
(carnival musical ensemble). The instrument has also been adopted for use in some forms of son. Players of the trompeta china are not necessarily of Chinese ancestry, and the instrument's playing style is more imitative of a trumpet than of the traditional playing style of the suona or any other Chinese instrument.
In addition to its use in Cuba, the Canadian jazz saxophonist and flutist Jane Bunnett
has taken up the trompeta china and uses it with her Afro-Cuban jazz band.
Suona
The suona ; also called laba or haidi is a Han Chinese shawm . It has a distinctively loud and high-pitched sound, and is used frequently in Chinese traditional music ensembles, particularly those that perform outdoors...
, an instrument in the oboe
Oboe
The oboe is a double reed musical instrument of the woodwind family. In English, prior to 1770, the instrument was called "hautbois" , "hoboy", or "French hoboy". The spelling "oboe" was adopted into English ca...
family introduced to Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
by Chinese immigrants
Chinese Cuban
A Chinese Cuban is a Cuban of Chinese ancestry who was born in or has immigrated to Cuba. They are part of the ethnic Chinese diaspora .-History:...
during the colonial period (specifically the late nineteenth century).
The trompeta china is used primarily in Cuban carnival
Carnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
music, particularly in the eastern region of Santiago
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city of Cuba and capital city of Santiago de Cuba Province in the south-eastern area of the island, some south-east of the Cuban capital of Havana....
, where it is an integral part of the comparsa
Comparsa
A comparsa is the band which plays a conga during a Latin American Carnival celebration. It consists of a large group of dancers dancing and traveling on the streets, followed by a Carrosa where the musicians play...
(carnival musical ensemble). The instrument has also been adopted for use in some forms of son. Players of the trompeta china are not necessarily of Chinese ancestry, and the instrument's playing style is more imitative of a trumpet than of the traditional playing style of the suona or any other Chinese instrument.
In addition to its use in Cuba, the Canadian jazz saxophonist and flutist Jane Bunnett
Jane Bunnett
Jane Bunnett is a Canadian soprano saxophonist, flutist and bandleader known for her Afro-Cuban jazz melodies.In 2004, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada...
has taken up the trompeta china and uses it with her Afro-Cuban jazz band.
External links
- Cuban article about trompeta china (Spanish)