Chinese Musical Instruments
Flute – Chinese Folklore
The earliest flute was made from bone over 7,000 years ago. In the times since then, most flutes were made of bamboo, which allowed even common people to play it. By covering the holes and blowing through the side hole while moving the fingers flexibly between the six holes, a sound will be produced that is melodious and mellifluous like sounds of nature from far away. This always reminds people of picture of a farmer riding on a bull while playing a flute.Erhu – Chinese Folklore
The Euhu, also called “huqin”, was introduced from the western region during the Tang Dynasty. During the Song Dynasty, it was improved and refined and new variations appeared. It was also an important instrument for playing the melody of Beijing Opera.
When playing, the player usually stands the euhu on his lap, and moves the bow across the vertical strings. The well-known music “Two Springs Reflect the Moon” was created by the blind folk artist Hua Yanjun, also named A Bing by the people.
Though he could not see anything of the world, he played his Erhu using his heart and imagination. This melody conjures up a poetic night scene under the moonlight and expresses the composer’s desolation and hope.
Lute (Pipa) – Chinese Folklore
Originally named after the loquat fruit, the earliest pipa known was found to have been made in the Qin Dynasty. By the Tang Dynasty, the pipa had reached its summit. It was loved by everyone-from the royal court to the common folk-and it occupied the predominant place in the orchestra.
Many well-known writers and poets created poems for it and mentioned it in their works. Bai Juyi the master poet, vividly depicted the performance like this: rapid and soft notes mingled were just like big and small pearls dropping onto the jade plates.
Until now, players have changed from holding the pip transversely to holding it vertically, and from using a pick to using the fingers to pluck the strings directly. The volume and tonal range have also been improved.
Horse-Headed Fiddle – Chinese Folklore
The Horse-headed fiddle is a bowed stringed-instrument with a scroll carved a horse’s head. It is popular in Mongolian music. With a history of over 1,300 years, it even influenced European string music when Marco Polo brought one back from his travel through Asia. Its wide tonal range and deep, hazy tone color express the joy or pathos of a melody to its fullest.
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