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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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San Xian, as indicated in its name, has three strings. It is also know as "Xian Zi". It is used to accompany Chinese Operas, in Small Music Ensemble, and even in playing Solos.

Its origin can be traced back to BC 214 when the Qin Emperor conquered the six countries and unified China. In the midst of building The Great Wall of China, to kill his boredom, the early version of San Xian was born.

It has a wooden drum covered with snake skin, and a extended long and smooth finger board. It is played by finger nails or a plastic pick. The three strings are tuned to G, D, G. Its sound is unique and if listen carefully, its low pitch sounds like a old man humming a tune, its high pitch sounds like a young girl singing a song. Famous San Xian Solos Pieces are "He Huan Ling", "Qing Hai Na Er", and "Liu Yai Jin".