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City Chinese Orchestra

Web Composer:
Wong Chin Loon
E-mail:
chinloon@pacific.net.sg
Updated:
28 Jun 1997
Feedback, comments
and suggestions
are welcomed.

The Heaven Of Music Created 26 June 1997

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Liuqin is a high pitch plucking instrument. Its shape and structure is similar to that of Pipa, except that it is smaller and uses plastic pick rather than finger nails to play. Its tone is bright and clear and is extremely beautiful in performing solos.

The early version of Liuqin had only two strings and can play only one and a half octaves. In Modern China, improvements were made on the instrument, and a two string Liuqin became a three string Liuqin tuned to D, G, D or D, A, D. In the 1970s, the four string Liuqin was developed, with the instrument body enlarged. It is tuned to G, D, G, D which is the standard instrument used in orchestra. In 1975, five string medium pitch Liuqin was developed with its strings tuned to A, D, A, D, A.

Liuqin is capable of producing an exciting and agitating tune when played loudly, and a sweet and touching tune when played softly. Famous Solos Pieces are "Xin Fu Qu", and "Chun Dao Yin He".