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The Chinese Erhu Music Appreciation Paper

Adrian A. Tennant

Music Appreciation, Northern Caribbean University

MUHL100 - Music Appreciation (C)

Dr. Diana Wilson

Sunday, 22 October 2023, 11:59 PM

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Contents
The Erhu Musical Instrument - Introduction .................................................................................. 3
WHAT IS THE CHINESE ERHU? ................................................................................................ 4
What is the Family and Description of Instrument? ................................................................... 4
The Chinese Erhu Present Relevance ......................................................................................... 4
The Erhu type of Instrument and Classification ......................................................................... 4
HOW DOES THE ERHU SOUND? .............................................................................................. 5
......................................................................................................................................................... 5
The Erhu playing Techniques ..................................................................................................... 5
Playing Technique Break Down ................................................................................................. 6
THE ERHU INSTRUMENT CONSTRUCTION .......................................................................... 7
ERHU PARTS EXPLAINED ......................................................................................................... 8
THE CHINESE ERHU IN COMBINATION ................................................................................ 9
Twelve Member Concert Group ................................................................................................. 9
FAMOUS ERHU PLAYERS AND PIECES ............................................................................... 10
Famous Players of the Erhu ...................................................................................................... 10
Famous Piece on the Erhu......................................................................................................... 10
ERHU CULTURAL IMPACT AND RESEARCH PAPER ON EMOTIONS ............................ 11
Cultural Impact ......................................................................................................................... 11
Examples of Contemporary Uses of Erhu Music ..................................................................... 11
Research Paper - Erhu Music's Emotional Impact.................................................................... 12
References ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Appendix ................................................................................................................................... 14
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The Erhu Musical Instrument - Introduction

The Erhu, often referred to as the "Chinese violin," is a two-stringed bowed musical

instrument with a rich cultural history deeply rooted in China. This unique instrument belongs to

the huqin family of Chinese bowed string instruments and is sometimes affectionately known as

the nanhu or "southern fiddle." With its distinct sound and versatility, the Erhu has transcended

its cultural boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide.

The Chinese Erhu's continued relevance is a testament to its enduring appeal. Amidst the

plethora of huqin instruments documented throughout China's history, the Erhu stands out as a

solo instrument capable of evoking deep emotions and imitating natural sounds, such as birds

and horses. Whether as a soloist, in small ensembles, or large orchestras, the Erhu plays a

significant role in Chinese music.

This paper explores the intricate details of the Erhu, from its playing techniques and

construction to its cultural impact. It also delves into the emotions it conveys in musical

performances, showcasing how this instrument has left an indelible mark on the global music

landscape. As we journey through the history and significance of the Erhu, we uncover the

strings of China's rich musical heritage, resonating with cultural enthusiasts and musicians alike.
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WHAT IS THE CHINESE ERHU?

What is the Family and Description of Instrument?

The Erhu sometimes known in the West as the "Chinese violin" or Chinese two-string

fiddle or the nanhu (南胡, "southern fiddle") (Xu, 2012), is a two-stringed bowed musical

instrument. It belongs to the huqin (spiked fiddle) family of Chinese bowed string instruments.

(Today, 2015)

The Chinese Erhu Present Relevance

From the 30 or more types of huqin instruments documented throughout China's history,

a few, such as the erhu, have remained popular to this day, reaching the level of a solo

instrument capable of expressing deep emotions and imitating natural sounds such as birds,

horses, and even the human voice. There are usually two to six erhus in smaller orchestras, and

10 to 12 in larger ones. (UPH, 2020).

The Erhu type of Instrument and Classification

The Erhu is a stringed Instrument because it has two vibrating strings silk, nylon or steel

stretched tightly between two pegs at the top of the instrument. (章明玥, 2015). The

Classification of the Erhu is a Chordophone because it uses vibrating strings to produce sound
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HOW DOES THE ERHU SOUND?

The Erhu playing Techniques

• Bow Control - Precise control over bow speed, pressure, and angle for volume and tone.

• Finger Positions - Use left hand to change pitch by pressing, sliding, and stopping on

strings.

• Vibrato - Rapidly vary pitch for expressiveness by oscillating the finger used for

melancholic sound.

• Glissando - Create smooth transitions between notes by sliding the finger.

• Mute - Dampen sound with a mute for a softer, muted tone.

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Playing Technique Break Down

• Tuning - Typically tuned to a fifth (D4 and A4).

• Position - Played seated, positioned on the left thigh.

• Right Hand Techniques - Include "pull" (la gong) and "push" (tui gong) bowing

techniques. And Also Plucking can be done with the second finger.

• Left Hand Techniques - Comprise slides (hua yin), vibrato (rou xian), and changing

positions (huan ba), enabling expressive control over pitch and tone. All fingers maybe be

utilized except the thumb. ([e][v], n.d.)

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THE ERHU INSTRUMENT CONSTRUCTION

Traditional Chinese instrument with python skin-covered resonator, two strings,

wooden bridge, and 81 cm length. Crafted from hardwoods; high-quality handmade in Beijing,

Shanghai, and Suzhou. ([e][v], n.d.) (UPH, 2020)

In the 20th century, the erhu was improved with steel strings from silk for a better sound.

By 1958, professionals used steel D and A strings. In 1988, China banned unlicensed python

skin, introducing certifications for erhus since in 2005. Travelers can take two erhus out of

China; commercial buyers need export certificates. Manufacturers abroad can issue CITES

licenses. Some erhus use recycled python skin. ([e][v], n.d.)

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ERHU PARTS EXPLAINED

(章明玥, 2015)
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THE CHINESE ERHU IN COMBINATION

It is used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles and large orchestras.

There is A higher-pitched version with a smaller resonator surface and shorter post is the gaohu,

or nanhu. A larger, lower-pitched version of the erhu is called zhonghu. All three sizes are

valuable members of the orchestra. ([e][v], n.d.) (Xu, 2012)

The erhu is mostly played in China. It is one of the most iconic and popular traditional

Chinese musical instruments and is often used in various forms of Chinese music, including

classical, folk, and contemporary styles. Additionally, the erhu has gained recognition and

popularity in other parts of the world, especially among musicians and music enthusiasts

interested in Chinese culture and traditional music. ([e][v], n.d.).

Twelve-Member Concert Group

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FAMOUS ERHU PLAYERS AND PIECES

Famous Players of the Erhu

Before the 20th century, huqin instruments primarily accompanied Chinese opera. The

erhu emerged as a solo instrument in the early 20th century, coinciding

with the development of modern Chinese traditional music (guoyue).

Influential figures included Zhou Shaomei and Liu Tianhua, who laid

the foundation for modern erhu playing. Liu Beimao and students like

Jiang Fengzhi and Chen Zhenduo continued this legacy. Additionally,

Hua Yanjun (A Bing), a blind street musician, left a lasting legacy

through his performances and recordings, including the well-known

Figure 1 Liu Tianhua
piece "Erquan Yingyue." ([e][v], n.d.)

Famous Piece on the Erhu

Figure 2 Moon Light- by Liu Tianhua

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ERHU CULTURAL IMPACT AND RESEARCH PAPER ON EMOTIONS

Cultural Impact

• The erhu has a rich history of over 1,000 years and has been used in various music

genres, including folk, opera, and classical.

• It has a versatile and expressive sound, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions.

• Its use in Chinese classical music was promoted in the early 20th century, elevating it to a

serious classical instrument.

• The erhu has contributed to the global popularity of Chinese music, captivating audiences

worldwide.

• It has also ventured into new musical genres like rock, pop, jazz, and has been featured in

films like Kung Fu Panda.

Examples of Contemporary Uses of Erhu Music

Figure 3 Erhu Music Used in Kung Fu Panda Film

Figure 4 Erhu Used in Jazz Genre
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Research Paper - Erhu Music's Emotional Impact

(Ma & Welch, 2018)

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References

[e][v]. (n.d.). Erhu. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/:

https://www.scribd.com/document/40005028/Erhu
Ma, X., & Welch, G. F. (2018, March 26). Does the cultural meaning of Erhu really have an
influence in the communication of basic emotions in musical performance? Retrieved
from https://www.researchgate.net/:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323999565_Does_the_cultural_meaning_of_Er
hu_really_have_an_influence_in_the_communication_of_basic_emotions_in_musical_pe
rformanceasic_emotions_in_musical_performance/citation/download
Today, C. (2015). Chinese Musical Instruments Past and Present. Beijing: China Today.
UPH. (2020). Erhu - Chinese violin . Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument, 2.
Xu, L. (2012, May). Chinese Instruments. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/:
https://www.scribd.com/document/409162758/48335967-chinese-instruments-docx
章明玥. (2015). Erhu – Chinese Violin. ZhangDD, 1-4.
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Appendix

For Additional information about the Erhu click the link below:
(7) Thttps://www.scribd.com/document/40005028/Erhu
https://kungfupanda.fandom.com/wiki/Wu_Di_instruments
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erhu#Notable_performers ensembel images
https://www.britannica.com/art/erhu