What is erhu

As it was mainly played by ordinary people and the playing technique was passed down by oral tradition, there are few written records about erhu that can be found in antiquity. To study about the history and evolution of erhu , historians usually reference ancient paintings, sculptures, and murals.

The earliest images of this instrument were found in Yulin Cave and Eastern Thousand Buddhist Cave both of these caves are part of the Mogao Grottoes, a world heritage site on the ancient Silk Road in Gansu Province, where five erhu images were discovered on the murals.

Examining these valuable murals, experts found that erhu s during the time the murals were painted already showed great resemblance to the modern erhu in terms of its holding position and playing techniques. With the rise of some folk art forms, including orchestra, cross-talk, and local operas, erhu playing underwent a historical evolvement during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The emergence of tune art a singing style in opera especially brought about a significant development in the art of erhu.

It also become an important accompanying instrument in a variety of folk operas and even a lead accompanying instrument in some operas. According to professor Li, erhu underwent major developments in the 20th century, which can be divided into four stages. Systematic education gradually came into place during that period with music academies established across the nation, and experienced erhu performers were hired as teachers at those academies.

In addition, many erhu performers tried to compose erhu music, leading to the creation of a number of erhu works, the likes of which had never been heard before. The third stage from to features new explorations and innovations. Various genres of erhu works emerged, including concertos, narratives, and rhapsody. There were also bold innovations in playing techniques and musical expressions that broke through traditional styles and added a modern touch to erhu works.

The fourth stage occurred in the 21st century and was characterized by individualism. Representative erhu performers began to integrate traditional playing techniques with some avant-garde playing styles that require remarkable skills. An erhu is composed of a soundbox, a neck, two strings, two tuning pegs, and a bow. Erhu s used for professional performance are commonly made out of red sandalwood or mahogany, one side of the soundbox is covered by a patch of snake skin, and the two strings are suspended along the neck of the instrument.

Professor Li introduced that the soundbox is a very important part of the instrument. By moving the bow back and forth, the strings produce a vibrating sound that resonates through the skin. The texture and shape of the soundbox directly affect the tune quality. The two strings of the erhu, which is usually tuned D and A, are made of silk or nylon, but nowadays metal strings are commonly used.

The bow is 76 centimeters long and is manufactured from a reed which one curves by steaming and is then arched with horse hair in the same way as the bow of violin. However, in the case of erhu, the horse hair runs between the two strings so one cannot take the bow off the instrument unless one of the two strings is taken off or broken. Please click here! Ten unique sights from mysterious Yunnan Province!

Yunnan New Film Project,Travel with the film. Wanna know more? Erhu-the sound of China Shanghai Daily Updated: The erhu has only two strings but just listen to what those two strings can do - from playing the earliest classic, "The Sound of Agony," to imitating perfectly the voices of Peking Opera singers or even the music of bird chirping.

Erhu Buying Guide 2 We discuss the qualities of snakeskin on an Erhu for your purchase consideration. Bows and their characteristics Know more about different bows and how they sound. Difference between Starter and Concert Erhu A sound comparison between a cheap Erhu and an expensive one.

Position of Qianjin Know the ideal location of the Qianjin for yourself. All About Damper Learn what is the best material and how to fold it. Dissassembling Your Erhu Learn how to take apart your Erhu and put it back. Moisturize Your Snakeskin How to treat your Erhu snakeskin when its dry. Putting Markers How to put markers on Erhu for better intonation. Prevent Slipping Erhu Pegs Learn to prevent your erhu pegs from slipping.