Guzheng
2750 years age,
the Guzheng was already a popular musical instrument played by
the folks in Shanxi and Ganxu Provinces. It soon spread all over
China, and even Japan, where it is known as the Koto. Its 17 to
21 strings are stretched lengthwise over a box-like body. Under
each string is a movable bridge, which is moved in order to tune
the strings. This alters the length of the vibrating part of the
string. The Guzheng player wears plectra (plastic fingernails) on
the fingers and thumb of her right hand. The left hand is used to
produce special effects.
During the Golden Age
of China, the Tang Dynasty, the Guzheng was admired by both
scholars and the common people. Numerous poems were return about
it. The famous poet Bai Juyi wrote about 20 poems to express his
admiration for it. Having a soft and elegant timbre, the Guzheng
is a very expressive and popular Chinese musical instrument.
Famous pieces written
for the Guzheng includes Fisherman's Song At Dusk and High
Mountains, Flowing Rivers.
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