The Drum Performance in Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

Everyone was impressed by the amazing rhythmic rumble of 2,008 percussion drums that produced a pulse-pounding start at the beginning of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic game. The drums also turned into a giant set of cascading LED lights, shuffled from one end of the Bird's Nest to the other, as a roaring crowd climbed to its feet. There was something primal yet elegant and powerful about the drums at the start. However, very few people can recognize the drum inside or outside China. Indeed, it is a modern variation of an ancient instrument called Fou (缶).

Indeed, Fou is not originally a music instrument. It is indeed a large pot like container to store wine or other liquid. Since most Fous are made by earth, few of them have make it to today after thousands of years. You can find one made by bronze in Shanghai Museum as the photo below. It must be used by aristocrats since it is covered by gold.

The Fou used in the opening ceremony is indeed quite a departure from the original Fou. First, it is in fact a drum, or a Fou-shaped drum. If you hit a Fou with the force shown by the actors, the Fou will be pieces. Second, Fou was not considered a real music instrument, or a musician's instrument, even in its hay days. However, it is often used to show the warm welcome of the host in a party.

"I have attended 10 Olympic Games inaugurations and had never seen an opening with such a display of technology. It was impressive. I really congratulate the Chinese people who have always been highly regarded by Mexico," Vargas – a Mexico director said.