Shifan is divided into two categories: the “Mild Shifan” and the “Vigorous Shifan”. Popular in Hanjiang, the band of Mild Shifan consists of ten members, most of which are old artists above the age of 50. Their musical instruments include: danpi, hardwood clappers, cloud gong, xiqin, sihu, chihu, bajiaoqin, zither, su flute and etc. There are more than 20 kinds of qu tunes, and they share the same name with Puxian Drama. However, the singing style is quite different. It sounds mild, slow and graceful, and that is why it is called the “Mild Shifan”. The “Vigorous Shifan” also enjoys good popularity, and these two styles are called by a joint name of “Shifan”, or “Shiyin (10 tunes)” as well. Major musical instruments of the band include: cloud gong, wanhu, sihu. chihu, gonghu, flute, three-stringed, bajiaoqin and etc.
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