Erhu – Musical Instrument

What is erhu?

The erhu  is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, more specifically a spike fiddle, which may also be called a SouthernFiddle, and is sometimes known in the Western world as the Chinese violin or a Chinese two-stringed fiddle.

From what material is made of?

Fun facts

The erhu is one of the most important Chinese instruments, with a history of over 4,000 years. Though it has only two strings, it can convey a wide range of emotions. While the erhu has been called the “Chinese violin,” it differs from the western instrument in many ways.

History

The Erhu can be traced back to proto-Mongolic instruments which first appeared in China during the Tang Dynasty. It is believed to have evolved from the Xiqin. The xiqin is believed to have originated from the Xi people located in current northeast China.

The first Chinese character of the name of the instrument  is believed to come from the fact that it has two strings. An alternate explanation states that it comes from the fact that it is the second highest huqin in pitch to the gaohu in the modern Chinese orchestra. The second character indicates that it is a member of the Huqin family, with Hu commonly meaning barbarians. The name Huqin literally means “instrument of the Hu peoples”, suggesting that the instrument may have originated from regions to the north or west of China generally inhabited by nomadic people on the extremities of past Chinese kingdoms.

How is it played?

The Erhu consists of a long vertical stick-like neck, at the top of which are two big tuning pegs, and at the bottom is a small resonator body (sound box) which is covered with python skin on the front (playing) end. Two strings are attached from the pegs to the base, and a small loop of string (Qian Jin) placed around the neck and strings acting as a nut pulls the strings towards the skin, holding a minute wooden bridge in place.

Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fdFGEg-9R8

Materials from: You Tube, Google, Wikipedia.