Nanxiao (Southern Xiao) is a bamboo flute of the Xiao family. Unlike Dizi, Xiao has no membrane. Nanxiao is mostly popular in the Fujian area of southern China. Like the Japanese Shakuhachi, NanXiao is the offspring of ChiBa and DongXiao from the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD).
Contrary to the upbeat, happy-trigger sound of Dizi, NanXiao has a more solid yet soothing tone that blends into modern music easily. For composers who need something different yet not really digging ethnic music, NanXiao is a welcome addition to the sound palette.
The sound character of Xiao is of something more saddened, battered, and is filled with a melancholic mood. It represents a lesser-known spirit in Chinese music, and that is why Kong Audio decides to bring out ChineeNanXiao as a featured product.
ChineeNanxiao contains various types of legato, tremolo, slide, trill, and staccato. The note range is from C3 to G5 (for most patches). It features extensive sampling and key-switching, plus the triggering of various expressions and articulations with Modwheel and Aftertouch.
