The ancient Chinese ritual orchestra made use of a great number of different instruments, which when played together represented the natural balance of the elements in nature. The performance is characterized by beginning with the clappers and the large drums and by the addition of the jade stone chime and bronze bells, adding a rich ceremonial quality to the performance.

The regular performance of these ceremonies was maintained by the musicians of the Lee Royal Household of Korea and continued as one part of the vast performance repertoire of the musicians who continue that tradition even today. In Korea, this music is generally known as ah-ahk, "elegant music", being the equivalent of the Chinese term, ya-yueh and of the Japanese Gagaku.In Korea, the term ah-ahk is also used to refer to entire repertoire of the royal court tradition.

Sound Example