This mural was probably inspired by the performances in the imperial court of the Tang Dynasty, which has inspired a lot of the costumes and scenes in the Opening Ceremony. While imperial music in the Zhou Dynasty had been solemn and ritualistic, Tang rulers were more down to earth and pursued extravagant recreations.

 

 

 

Also in the ensemble was the sheng, a reed pipe wind instrument whose history also goes back for thousands of years. In the Tang Dynasty, the sheng had 17 pipes, although another two could be added when necessary.

The Olympic Opening Ceremony again displayed the efforts of modern Chinese musicians to create new music with ancient instruments.

"Music is a genuine universal language that knows no boundaries," says Chen, who also teaches students the instrument from his guqin studio in Beijing.