Bangu (drum)

The bangu is a type of Chinese frame drum. It is characterized by its small size, shallow body, and the use of a single, thick piece of animal skin (typically buffalo hide) stretched tightly over a wooden frame. The frame is typically made of hardwood. Unlike many other Chinese drums, the bangu is played with two wooden sticks, which strike the central part of the drumhead.

The bangu is a core instrument in the jingju (Peking opera) orchestra, where it is used to mark the beat, accompany entrances and exits, and emphasize specific dramatic moments. It is typically played by the percussion leader (鼓師, gushi) of the orchestra, who is responsible for coordinating the rhythmic aspects of the performance. The gushi usually plays the bangu alongside other percussion instruments like the danpi gu (single-skin drum), paiban (clapper), and gongs, creating complex and nuanced rhythmic patterns.

The distinctive high-pitched, penetrating sound of the bangu makes it easily audible even in a large theater. The rhythmic patterns played on the bangu are often codified and carry specific dramatic meanings, providing important cues to the actors and the audience. Variations in the way the drum is struck, the speed of the beat, and the combination of instruments used create a rich and varied percussive landscape that is essential to the overall impact of jingju performances.