奏 is used in formal/classical music contexts. Key compounds: 演奏 (to perform music), 节奏 (rhythm/tempo), 独奏 (solo), 合奏 (ensemble). In daily life, 弹 (tán, for piano/guitar) and 拉 (lā, for violin) are more common for 'playing an instrument.'
history
In ancient China, 奏 also meant to present a report to the emperor — 奏折 (zòuzhé, memorial to the throne). This meaning survives in historical dramas.
Components
pictograph
奏zòu
to present; perform music
Single fused glyph — a pair of hands raised above the head presenting an offering to a sovereign. The upper strokes form a tight two-hands-with-offering element that doesn't split into independent components. From this ceremonial 'presenting' came 'to submit a memorial' and 'to perform music'. Indexed under Kangxi #37 大 (dà) via the middle silhouette.
Filed under radical 大 (dà, #37) by convention. 大 is not a separate component in 奏, so no strokes are highlighted.
