The erhu is a traditional Chinese musical instrument consisting of a long, slender neck attached to a resonating body covered with python skin. It has two strings stretched over a small wooden bridge, which are played with a bow made of horsehair.
The instrument is commonly used in traditional Chinese music, folk music, and contemporary and film compositions.
A person who plays the erhu is typically referred to as an “erhuist.”
What does an Erhu sound like?
How to Play the Erhu
To play the erhu, the musician holds the instrument vertically on their lap or in front of them. The left hand controls the pitch by pressing on the strings, while the right hand holds the bow and produces sound by drawing it across the strings.
Unlike Western string instruments where the bow hair is tensioned between the strings, in the erhu, the bow is placed between the strings. This unique technique allows the bow to come into constant direct contact with the strings, producing a distinctive sound.
When the bow is drawn across the strings, friction causes the strings to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted through the python skin covering the resonating body of the erhu, amplifying the sound.
The pitch of the sound is determined by the length of the string between the left hand fingers and the python skin, which can be adjusted by pressing on the strings at different points along the neck.
The erhu has two strings, typically tuned a fifth apart. By pressing on the strings at different points and varying the pressure of the bow, the player can produce a wide range of pitches and expressive effects. The instrument’s resonating body helps to enrich the sound and give it warmth and depth.
Playing the erhu requires precise control of both hands to produce clear and expressive music. It is a skill that takes time and practice to master, but the unique sound of the erhu makes it a rewarding instrument to learn for those interested in traditional Chinese music.
Musical Origins
The name “erhu” comes from Chinese words: “er” meaning “two” and “hu” referring to the instrument’s soundbox or “huqin” family.
This name reflects the instrument’s construction, which features two strings stretched over a resonating body.
Instrument History
The table below provides a concise overview of the evolution of the erhu from its early origins to the present day, highlighting key developments and periods of change in its design and popularity.
| Time Period | Evolution of the Erhu |
|---|---|
| Ancient China | The earliest known form of the erhu, called “xiqin,” emerged during the Tang Dynasty (7th to 10th century AD). |
| Ming Dynasty | The instrument evolved further, with the addition of the python skin resonator, resulting in a more recognizable erhu shape. |
| Qing Dynasty | During this period, the erhu gained popularity among the general population, becoming a staple in traditional Chinese music. |
| Early 20th Century | Innovations in erhu construction led to improvements in sound quality and playability, such as the use of better materials. |
| Present Day | Modern erhu design remains largely similar to its predecessors, with ongoing refinements in materials, craftsmanship, and playing techniques. |
Erhu Instrument Description
The erhu is made up of various key parts, each crafted from specific materials and chosen for their functionality and musical properties.
Firstly, the neck of the erhu, crucial for supporting the strings and facilitating fingering techniques, is typically fashioned from dense hardwoods like mahogany, rosewood, or sandalwood, ensuring stability and resonance.
Adjacent to the neck is the pegbox, housing the tuning pegs responsible for string tension adjustments. Constructed from the same hardwood as the neck, it must be robust to endure the pressure of tuning.
The strings of the erhu, historically crafted from silk for its smooth texture and warm tone, are occasionally replaced with nylon or metal strings in contemporary renditions, offering enhanced durability and tuning stability.
A pivotal component, the bridge, positioned between the strings and the resonating body, transmits string vibrations. Typically made of hardwood such as ebony or maple, the bridge profoundly influences the instrument’s tonality.
The resonating body of the erhu, enveloped in python skin, is mounted on a wooden frame. Python skin serves as a membrane, amplifying string vibrations and contributing to the instrument’s distinct timbre. Alternatively, synthetic materials may be utilized to address conservation concerns.
Finally, the bow, essential for producing sound, is meticulously crafted from bamboo, known for its flexibility, and horsehair stretched between its ends. Bamboo’s suppleness enables precise articulation, while horsehair generates sound through friction against the strings.
Leading Erhu Instrument Manufacturers
Erhu manufacturers are primarily located in China, where skilled craftsmen uphold centuries-old traditions of instrument making, ensuring high-quality construction and authentic sound production.
Here is a list of 10 renowned erhu manufacturers along with their respective countries of origin:
| Manufacturer | Country of Origin |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Dunhuang | China |
| Beijing Eastman Music | China |
| Shanghai No.1 National Musical Instruments Factory | China |
| Suzhou Huqin Factory | China |
| Beijing Xinghai Conservatory of Music Instrument Factory | China |
| Nanjing Yunfeng Erhu Company | China |
| Tianjin Erlang Erhu Factory | China |
| Shanghai Yuhang Erhu Factory | China |
| Beijing Xinsheng Music Instrument Factory | China |
| Suzhou Guangfeng Musical Instruments Co., Ltd. | China |
Famous Erhuist Players
These erhuist musicians have made significant contributions to the instrument’s legacy, captivating audiences worldwide with their exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication to the art of erhu playing.
| Musician | Description |
|---|---|
| Abing (Hua Yanjun) | Abing, also known as Hua Yanjun, was a blind street musician from China who became renowned for his virtuosic erhu performances and heartfelt compositions. |
| Ma Xiaohui | Ma Xiaohui is a contemporary erhu virtuoso known for her innovative approach to the instrument, blending traditional techniques with modern influences in her performances. |
| Liu Tianhua | Liu Tianhua was a prominent erhu player and composer during the early 20th century in China, revered for his profound understanding of traditional Chinese music. |
| Yu Hongmei | Yu Hongmei is a celebrated erhu performer known for her exceptional technical skill and expressive interpretations of classical Chinese repertoire. |
| Min Huifen | Min Huifen was a renowned erhu master known for her influential performances and recordings, which helped popularize the erhu both in China and internationally. |
| Zhaojun Bai | Zhaojun Bai is a highly regarded erhu musician known for her dynamic stage presence and mastery of both traditional and contemporary erhu repertoire. |
| Wang Guotong | Wang Guotong is a respected erhu performer and educator who has made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Chinese music. |
| Liu Mingyuan | Liu Mingyuan is an accomplished erhu soloist and chamber musician known for his exquisite tone, impeccable technique, and deep understanding of Chinese musical traditions. |
| Jia Pengfang | Jia Pengfang gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking erhu performances, blending traditional Chinese music with elements of jazz, rock, and world music. |
| Jiang Guoji | Jiang Guoji is a revered erhu virtuoso known for his profound musicality and innovative interpretations, earning him recognition as one of China’s foremost erhu performers. |
Traditional Chinese Erhu Music
The erhu musical instrument holds a significant role in Chinese traditional music, often conveying the emotional essence of folk songs, classical pieces, and operatic accompaniments, enriching China’s cultural heritage.
The traditional erhu tunes below offer a glimpse into the expressive capabilities of the instrument and its profound impact on Chinese music and culture.
“Er Quan Ying Yue” (二泉映月) by A Bing (阿炳): A classic piece composed in the early 20th century by the blind erhu master A Bing. Its haunting melody and evocative harmonies depict the moon reflected in the Erquan Spring, captivating listeners with its serene beauty.
“Liu Shui” (流水) by Hua Yanjun (花腔): Also known as “Flowing Water,” this traditional erhu piece is a favorite among performers and audiences alike. Composed by the renowned erhu musician Hua Yanjun, it captures the gentle flow of a mountain stream with its graceful melodies and fluid rhythms.
“Gao Shan” (高山) by Liu Tianhua (刘天华): This piece by Liu Tianhua, a prominent figure in Chinese music history, evokes the grandeur of towering mountains. Its soaring melodies and dramatic crescendos showcase the erhu’s expressive power and virtuosity.
“Horse Racing” (赛马) by Wang Huiran (王惠然): Depicting the thrill of horse racing in ancient China, this lively erhu piece features rapid bowing techniques and rhythmic patterns that mimic galloping horses, making it a favorite among erhu enthusiasts.
“Spring on a Moonlit River” (月夜春江花月夜) by Wang Luobin (王洛宾): Composed by Wang Luobin, this piece captures the tranquility of a moonlit river in springtime. Its delicate melodies and flowing rhythms evoke blooming flowers and shimmering moonlight, transporting listeners to a peaceful scene.
The Erhu in Popular Culture
In the realm of film, television, and popular culture, the erhu has played a significant role, captivating audiences with its emotive melodies and evocative sound. Here are ten erhu tunes that most people would recognize:
“The Last Emperor Theme” by Ryuichi Sakamoto (1987):
Composed for the film “The Last Emperor,” this iconic theme features haunting erhu melodies that capture the grandeur of imperial China. Sakamoto’s score earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Theme” by Tan Dun (2000):
Tan Dun’s mesmerizing score for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” includes enchanting erhu solos that underscore the film’s themes of love, honor, and destiny. The score won Tan Dun an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
“House of Flying Daggers Theme” by Shigeru Umebayashi (2004):
Shigeru Umebayashi’s enchanting score for “House of Flying Daggers” features poignant erhu melodies that convey the romance and tragedy of ancient China.
“Hero Theme” by Tan Dun (2002):
Another masterpiece by Tan Dun, the score for “Hero” includes powerful erhu solos that reflect the heroism and sacrifice depicted in the film’s epic tale of ancient Chinese warriors.
“Farewell My Concubine Theme” by Zhao Jiping (1993):
Zhao Jiping’s evocative score for “Farewell My Concubine” includes expressive erhu passages that mirror the tumultuous lives of the characters in this acclaimed Chinese drama.
“Memoirs of a Geisha Theme” by John Williams (2005):
John Williams’ lush score for “Memoirs of a Geisha” includes haunting erhu melodies that transport listeners to the world of geishas in pre-war Japan.
“Red Cliff Theme” by Taro Iwashiro (2008):
Taro Iwashiro’s epic score for “Red Cliff” features powerful erhu solos that underscore the film’s sweeping battles and emotional drama set in ancient China.
“Raise the Red Lantern Theme” by Zhao Jiping (1991):
Zhao Jiping’s score for “Raise the Red Lantern” includes haunting erhu melodies that capture the oppression and intrigue of life in a wealthy Chinese household.
“Curse of the Golden Flower Theme” by Shigeru Umebayashi (2006):
Shigeru Umebayashi’s score for “Curse of the Golden Flower” features dramatic erhu solos that heighten the tension and tragedy of this epic Chinese drama.
“Spring in a Small Town Theme” by Zhao Jiping (2002):
Zhao Jiping’s score for “Spring in a Small Town” includes delicate erhu melodies that reflect the nuanced emotions of the characters in this classic Chinese film.
Further Reading
If you have enjoyed reading about the erhu musical instrument, here are five more instruments that are closely related to it and which may be of interest:
In the realm of traditional Chinese music, several instruments share similarities with the erhu, each contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds in Chinese culture. Here are five similar instruments closely related to the erhu:
