Erhu is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument that has been in use for more than a thousand years. It is sometimes referred to as a Chinese two-stringed fiddle or a spike fiddle.
What is Erhu: Table of Contents
The erhu, often referred to as the Chinese two-stringed fiddle, is a traditional Chinese musical instrument that has been an integral part of the country’s rich musical heritage for over a millennium. Despite its simple construction, composed of a long neck, two strings, and a resonator covered with python skin, the erhu is known for its extraordinarily expressive sound, often compared to the human voice in its capacity to convey a wide spectrum of emotions.
Originating from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), the erhu has survived the test of time, maintaining its central role in Chinese music across the centuries. Its unique sound and versatile nature have made it a staple in various musical contexts, from traditional folk music and classical Chinese orchestras to modern pop, rock, and even experimental music genres.
The erhu’s importance extends beyond its musical versatility. As an emblem of Chinese culture, the erhu symbolizes the longevity and adaptability of Chinese musical traditions. Its construction, playing techniques, and sound production methods are distinct from Western stringed instruments, offering a unique perspective on the diversity of global music-making traditions.
In the era of globalization, the erhu has transcended its cultural origins, attracting interest from Western composers and musicians. Its distinct sound has found its way into film scores, classical compositions, and various fusion genres, introducing a piece of Chinese heritage to global audiences.
Despite its simplicity, the erhu’s capacity for emotional depth and its distinctive tonal qualities make it a unique and fascinating instrument. Its enduring presence in Chinese music and its growing recognition worldwide are testaments to the instrument’s universal appeal and its capacity to bridge cultures through the universal language of music. The journey of understanding the erhu, therefore, is not just about exploring a musical instrument but also about appreciating a significant facet of Chinese cultural history and its global influence.
History and Origin of the Erhu
The erhu’s history is deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of China. Its lineage can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), a time of exceptional cultural and artistic blossoming in Chinese history. This period saw the birth of many musical instruments, including the erhu, which quickly gained popularity for its expressive capabilities.
Interestingly, the erhu is considered a part of the huqin family of instruments, denoting its origin from the northern regions of China, as ‘hu’ refers to the northern nomadic tribes that existed during the period. The design of the erhu, particularly its horse-head scroll, further hints at its possible connection to the nomadic tribes who held horses in high esteem.
Over the centuries, the erhu has undergone significant evolution in terms of construction, playing techniques, and repertoire. As it spread across different regions, the erhu adapted to local musical styles and preferences, leading to a rich diversity in its sound and playing techniques.
During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, the erhu became increasingly prominent in Chinese opera, accompanying singers and helping to convey the emotional depth of the narratives. This period saw the development of more complex playing techniques and a greater emphasis on the erhu’s expressive potential.
The 20th century heralded a new era for the erhu as it was integrated into modern Chinese orchestras. Western musical concepts were introduced, leading to a shift in the erhu’s role from a primarily solo or accompaniment instrument to an essential part of the orchestra. It was during this time that the erhu’s construction was standardized, with the establishment of specific dimensions and materials for its various components.
In recent decades, the erhu has continued to evolve, with musicians pushing the boundaries of what the instrument can do. It has been used in new music genres, experimented with in avant-garde music, and incorporated into fusion styles, demonstrating its adaptability and relevance in the contemporary music scene.
The erhu’s journey from the Tang Dynasty to the present day is a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility. Through centuries of cultural shifts and musical developments, the erhu has not only survived but thrived, continually reinventing itself while staying true to its roots. This ongoing evolution ensures the erhu’s place in the future of music, both within China and around the globe.
Anatomy of the Erhu
- The Resonator
The resonator, or the sound box, of the erhu is typically hexagonal or octagonal in shape. It is analogous to the body of a guitar or violin, serving as the main sound-producing component. This resonator is covered on one side by a taut piece of python skin, with the other side left open. The python skin, acting like the head of a drum, vibrates when the strings are played, thereby producing sound.
- The Strings
The erhu has two strings, traditionally made from silk, but in modern instruments, steel wound with nylon or metal is more common. These strings run from the base of the resonator up to the top of the neck. They are usually tuned to the notes D and A, representing a musical fifth, although this can vary depending on the music being played.
- The Neck and Tuning Pegs
The erhu’s long neck, usually made from hardwood like red sandalwood or ebony, houses the two tuning pegs at the top. These pegs, carved from the same wood as the neck, are used to adjust the tension of the strings and hence their pitch. The neck is bare, without any frets or fingerboard, requiring precision from the player to hit the correct notes.
- The Bow
Unlike Western string instruments where the bow is separate, the erhu’s bow is situated between its two strings. The bow hair, traditionally made from horsehair, is used to vibrate the strings to produce sound. The player adjusts the tension of the bow hair with a screw mechanism to suit their playing style.
Materials Used in Erhu Construction and Their Impact on Sound
The choice of materials in erhu construction significantly impacts its sound.
The python skin used for the resonator gives the erhu its distinctive, somewhat nasal tone. The thickness and quality of the skin can affect the volume and timbre of the erhu, with thicker skin producing a louder, brighter sound, and thinner skin yielding a softer, mellower tone.
The material of the strings also impacts the sound. Traditional silk strings yield a warm, rich tone, while modern metal or nylon-wound strings offer a brighter, more focused sound, with increased durability.
The type of wood used for the neck doesn’t significantly alter the sound but does affect the instrument’s weight and the player’s comfort.
In the bow, the quality and condition of the horsehair can influence the sound production. Well-maintained, high-quality horsehair will produce a smoother, more consistent sound.
Playing the Erhu
Playing the erhu requires a unique set of techniques. The bow, which is already fixed between the two strings, is moved back and forth to produce sound. The player must master the pressure, speed, and angle of the bow to control volume, tone, and articulation.
On the left hand, which manipulates the strings, there are no frets or fingerboards to guide the fingers. Instead, the player presses the strings down with the pads of their fingers, changing the length of the string to alter pitch. This requires a high level of precision as slight variations in finger placement can significantly change the pitch.
Various advanced techniques can be employed for different musical effects. For example, sliding the fingers along the string (glissando) produces a characteristic sliding sound, while rapidly alternating between two notes (tremolo) creates a quick, shimmering effect.
Tuning and Typical Musical Keys
The erhu is typically tuned to D and A, a perfect fifth apart. This tuning can be adjusted depending on the specific piece of music being played. The range of the erhu is about three octaves, although it’s most resonant in the middle and upper ranges.
In terms of musical keys, the erhu can play in any key, but some are more common due to the resonance of the open strings and ease of fingering. These include D major, D minor, G major, and A major.
Comparisons with Western Stringed Instruments (like the Violin)
Although the erhu and violin are both bowed string instruments, there are significant differences in their playing techniques. Unlike the violin, where the bow moves across the strings, the erhu’s bow is placed between its two strings. This means that the bow always makes contact with the strings, making sound production continuous.
The lack of frets or fingerboards on the erhu also distinguishes it from the violin. This allows for a greater range of expressive techniques like slides and bends, but also requires a higher level of precision to maintain accurate pitch.
The method of sound production is another key difference. While the violin relies on a wooden body and sound post to transmit the vibrations of the strings to the air, the erhu uses a python skin-covered resonator, which contributes to its unique, somewhat nasal sound.
Despite these differences, both instruments share a commonality in their capacity for emotional expression. With skilled manipulation, both the erhu and violin can sing, wail, and whisper, echoing the range and depth of the human voice.
The Sound and Expression of the Erhu
The sound of the erhu is truly unique, often described as hauntingly beautiful, rich, and full of depth. Its tone is sometimes compared to a human voice due to its expressive, lyrical quality. The erhu can produce a wide range of tones: from deeply mournful and melancholic low notes to piercingly bright and joyous high pitches.
The erhu’s sound is distinctively resonant and somewhat nasal, a result of the python skin resonator. This nasal quality, combined with a slight buzz, gives the erhu a unique timbre that sets it apart from Western string instruments. The erhu’s sound has a certain rawness, an unfiltered quality that connects listeners directly to the emotion of the music.
The erhu’s capacity for emotional expression is one of its most remarkable features. It is often said that the erhu can depict a wide range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to the most exuberant joy. It can sing like a soaring bird, cry like a grieving soul, and laugh like a delighted child.
Playing techniques, such as vibrato and slides, enhance the erhu’s expressiveness. Vibrato, a slight oscillation in pitch, gives the note a trembling, expressive quality. Slides, where the pitch smoothly transitions from one note to another, can evoke a sense of longing or aspiration.
The erhu’s capacity to ‘speak’ to listeners on an emotional level is a testament to its profound expressiveness. It’s not just the music that moves the listeners, but the ‘voice’ of the erhu itself. This ability to touch hearts and evoke emotions gives the erhu its timeless appeal and makes it a cherished instrument in Chinese culture and beyond.
The Erhu in Chinese Music
In traditional Chinese music, the erhu plays a vital role. It features prominently in various genres, including folk music, Chinese opera, and narrative singing. Its wide range of expressive capabilities makes it ideal for conveying the emotional depth and subtleties inherent in these genres.
In folk music, the erhu often serves a dual purpose as both a melodic and rhythmic instrument. It is used to convey the story of the song and to provide a rhythmic drive that underpins the performance. Its sound, reminiscent of the human voice, allows it to effectively communicate the emotional content of the songs.
In Chinese opera, the erhu provides essential melodic and emotional support to the singers. It often mimics the vocal line, reinforcing the emotion and drama of the narrative. The erhu’s ability to produce a wide variety of tones and effects makes it a versatile tool in this context, capable of capturing the myriad emotions inherent in operatic performances.
The erhu has a significant place in Chinese orchestras and ensembles. As the Chinese equivalent of the violin, the erhu often takes on the role of the lead melodic instrument in these settings, playing the primary themes and taking solos.
In a Chinese orchestra, which is typically divided into string, plucked-string, wind, and percussion sections, the erhu is part of the string section. Here, it often plays in unison with other erhus or in harmony with other instruments, contributing to the overall sound of the orchestra.
In smaller ensembles, the erhu’s role can be even more pronounced. It might take on the role of the lead instrument, with the other instruments providing harmonic and rhythmic support. Alternatively, it can form a part of a multi-voiced texture, interacting with other instruments to create a rich tapestry of sound.
Whether in a large orchestra or a small ensemble, the erhu’s unique sound and expressive capabilities make it a central part of Chinese music. Its ability to adapt to different musical roles and contexts reflects its versatility and the depth of its musical potential.
Learning the Erhu
Learning to play the erhu presents unique challenges, but it also offers equally unique rewards. One of the main challenges is mastering the playing technique. The lack of a fingerboard or frets means the player must rely solely on their ear and muscle memory to find the correct pitch. Furthermore, controlling the bow, which is placed between the two strings, requires a fine balance of pressure and speed to elicit the desired sound.
Despite these challenges, the rewards of learning the erhu are immense. Firstly, the erhu is an incredibly expressive instrument, capable of producing a wide range of sounds and emotions. Mastering this instrument allows the player to explore and express these emotions in a profoundly personal way.
Additionally, playing the erhu provides a deep connection to Chinese culture and history. Through learning traditional pieces, the player can experience the stories, emotions, and philosophical ideas embedded in Chinese culture. This cultural immersion can be a rewarding journey of discovery.
Finally, as the erhu is a relatively rare instrument in the West, becoming proficient can open up unique performance opportunities in both traditional and contemporary music contexts.
Numerous resources are available for those interested in learning the erhu. Traditional face-to-face lessons with a professional teacher are arguably the most effective way to learn, as they offer personalized guidance and immediate feedback. Many music schools and cultural institutions worldwide offer erhu lessons.
For those without access to a local teacher, online lessons and tutorials are a great alternative. Numerous platforms offer video courses that cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques. Websites like YouTube also host a wealth of tutorial videos and performances which can be great resources for learning and inspiration.
In terms of written resources, there are many method books available that provide step-by-step instructions on playing techniques, often accompanied by CDs or online audio tracks. These books also typically include a range of exercises and pieces suitable for different skill levels.
Listening to and analyzing performances by professional erhu players can provide invaluable insights into the instrument’s expressive capabilities and the intricacies of its playing technique. This can be done through attending live concerts, watching recorded performances, or listening to erhu music recordings.