Archaeological Excavations of Percussion Instruments in the Song Dynasty and their Implications for Modern Musical Instruments

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between percussion instruments and modern piano creation, as well as the archaeological value of percussion instruments, and takes Song Dynasty musical instruments as an example for analysis. First, the materials and surface characteristics of the drums, cymbals and hammers were observed with a high-definition microscope, and their materials were analyzed. The percussion instruments are then tested by an infrared scanner for their vocal position, vocal characteristics, and graphically drawn. Finally, the overall vocal position of percussion instruments such as drums, cymbals and percussion instruments was verified by 3D scanning, and their vocal characteristics were verified. The results showed that the main materials of drums, cymbals and beatings were bronze, brass, iron, tin, lead, etc., as well as pigskin and elm. Among them, the brass content of the copper cymbals is higher, and the bronze content of the striking is higher, so the sound effect is different. There are differences in the vocal characteristics of drums and cymbals, the former mainly expands the vocal range, and the latter concentrates the vocalization, so the vocal characteristics of the two are thick and crisp. In the process of vocalization, the percussion instruments of the Song Dynasty all exhibited homophony and resonance, indicating that the percussion instruments were reasonably designed. In addition, the percussion instruments of the Song Dynasty had insufficient vocal range, single vocal characteristics, and lack of transition, which needed to be combined with the piano, so it had an enlightening effect on the content, connotation, and performance mode of modern piano creation.