Bowed-strings
Bowed-strings
consists of instruments played with bows. They are called "Hu Qin"
(pronounced who-chin) in Chinese. Several kinds of Hu's are used
in the chinese orchestra and the functions of these instruments are rather
similar to the viols in the philharmonic orchestra.
The Hu Qin is made of wood. Its soundbox has a piece of snake-skin stretched over it. Unlike the viols, the Hu Qin has only two strings. The bow for the Hu Qin is placed between the two strings.
The Hu Qin is placed on the left upper thigh in front of the left hip and played by moving the bow against the strings.
The different kinds of Hu Qin:
Er Hu,
the most popular type of Hu Qin. Function is similar to the violins.
Gao Hu, higher
pitch than Er Hu. Function is similar to the 1st violins.
Zhong Hu, lower
pitch than Er Hu. Function is similar to the violas.
Ge Hu, not used
in the orchestra any longer. Now replaced by cello.
Di-Yin Ge Hu,
also not used in the orchestra any longer. Replaced by double-bass.