Episode 41 The Perfect Dizi

Over-Engineered Dizi

Making the most acoustically perfect Chinese Flute

📍Singapore

To contact maker Ng Teck Seng, email him at tonexplore [at] gmail.com

Thoughts and Reflections

As implied, Ng Teck Seng is close to the only instrument maker in Singapore. It isn't trying to craft instruments in this small industrialized city-state. Doran from my previous episode was another. It was a miracle I was able to find him in the first place, and it was an honor to have been there. He was incredibly lively and eager to share about his craft. We had many laughs beforehand, drinking tea. Even as a Chinese-American person, I lack some fundamental knowledge about the Chinese Dizi and of the Modern Chinese Orchestra, which is embarrassing for me. And my research for this episode enlightened me quite a lot, and I very much enjoyed learning. Also, it made me realize for all of my time and trips in Asia, I should have probably gone and seen a Chinese Orchestra. I also enjoyed meeting with Dr. Tan Qing Lun, who was an incredible resource and musician.