Perhaps the most recognizable Chinese instrument, the Erhu is a spiked fiddle with two strings. The bow is permanently attached between the two strings.
The Sanxian is a fretless lute instrument.
This Hammered Dulcimer is called a yangquin. Notice the speed that the player can get out of the hammer in his left hand. This is due to the flexible material that the implement is made of.
A new trend on the internet is arranging modern pop songs for these traditional Chineese instruments. This cover of a Sia son is performed on the Guzheng and Zhongruan, a zither and lute.
The most bizarre of the Chinese instruments is the Sheng. The Sheng is a mouth harp. Sound is achieved by blowing into the mouthpiece, and notes changed by covering and uncovering holes.
I thought it was interesting when you said that pop songs were being arranged for the Chinese instruments. I find it incredible that these songs are being arranged for that.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michaela. The concept of westernization is fascinating. Arranging pop songs on these instruments sounds so strange compared to the other videos. It is interesting how some traditions, like the Jiangnan Sizhu, remain true to their origins and other areas, like Bollywood, are drowned in western practices.
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