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The Huqin Family
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2004-9-3 21:53:44
CRIENGLISH.com
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In today's program, we are going to take a look at four kinds of instruments belonging to the Huqin Family—the Jinghu, the Gaohu, the Zhuihu and the Banhu.
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 Most people are very familiar with the Erhu, or two-stringed Chinese fiddle. But these people may be surprised to know that the Erhu belongs to a larger family of instruments, which is collectively known as the Huqin family. This family includes a number of two- or three- stringed instruments, which may appear similar to the untrained eye, but are in fact quite different in aspects such as tone and playing technique. In today's program, we are going to take a look at four kinds of instruments belonging to the Huqin Family—the Jinghu, the Gaohu, the Zhuihu and the Banhu.
 The Jinghu, or Peking Opera fiddle, is a two-stringed bowed instrument specifically used for Peking Opera. It can be employed as a solo instrument, as an ordinary voice in an orchestra, or as the lead in a concerto. The piece we're listening to is a concerto for the Jinghu. Its name is "Late at Night".
Late at Night is a famous Qupai widely used in Peking Opera. Qupai is a kind of song specially used in traditional Chinese opera. Originally the music was set to poems, and gradually many excellent melodies were selected and handed down. New poets would later set new lyrics to these pieces, but stayed true to the old melodies. Different Qupai have different modes, keys, and expressions.
Late at night is originally a solo for the Jinghu, accompanied by drums. This piece  was adapted from Kunqu Opera, and named after the libretto "Late at night, I lie on the bed alone". The resolute and strong rhythm describes a cheerful and elegant spirit.
That was Late at Night.
The next piece we'll hear is called Parasitic Grass. It is melodious, tasteful and quiet, and therefore often used during dream-based or illusory scenes.
That was Parasitic Grass.
Open Door Slightly (being opened) is another famous piece for the Jinghu, with a tone that is both bright and clear. It is often used during scenes of dressing, writing letters, cleaning the house, holding court and the appearance of the emperor and his queen in Peking Opera.
The Gaohu is another important member of the Huqin family. Its name can be translated as the High-pitched Erhu. This instrument's history separated from the conventional Erhu during the 1920s, when it was created with a pitch 4 to 5 semi tones higher than the Erhu. With its closeness to the Erhu, the Gaohu is still a two-stringed instrument, and is mainly used in Cantonese Music and Cantonese Opera. With a resonant and clarion tone, it is most suitable for use wherever lyrics and ornate melody can be found.
Next we are going to hear a famous piece of Cantonese music played by Gaohu--Autumn Moon and Peaceful Lake. 
This piece is the defining work of Lv Wencheng, a well-known Cantonese musician, and was composed over a period stretching from the late 1920s to early 1930s. It adapts the folk tunes of Zhejiang in east China to the style of Cantonese music. The song depicts a beautiful autumn night at the West Lake in Hangzhou with the shining moon in the sky. The surface of the lake is as flat as a mirror. There is a perfect reflection of the moon in the lake, contributing to a soothing scene which makes the visitors feel relaxed and comfortable.
That was Autumn Moon and Peaceful Lake.
Longings at a Dressing Table in Autumn, is a famous Cantonese work. In the late autumn, with the leaves falling, the young princess was struck by the beautiful sight outside and expressed her sad feelings. Another interpretation of this piece involves Wang Zhaojun, one of the Four Beauties in Chinese history. About 2,000 years ago, she who was married to the king of the Hun, or Xiongnu, an ancient nomadic people living in north China, in exchange for peace with the Han Dynasty. She deeply missed her homeland, and her longing is expressed in this work. The version we are going to hear is adapted from the ancient tune of the same name.
The Zhuihu is most popular in east China's Shandong province and central Henan province, and is an important accompanying musical instrument for the local opera in these areas. The Zhuihu's tone is deep and sonorous. It can also mimic the sounds of many different animals as well as the laughing and crying of human beings.
We are going to hear a piece for Zhuihu solo, named the Tune of Henan. It is based on Jianjianhua, a local tune in Henan, and also absorbs the characteristics of Henan Zhuizi, a kind of local opera. The melody is sometimes smooth, and sometimes quite unrestrained.
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Director: Liu Chi