Zhongruan

The Zhongruan is a four stringed pluced instrument, which was already in use during the period of 140 BC - 87 BC, the Han Dynasty. It has a straight stem, a round soud box and 24 frets, each of which transverse under 4 strings. The Strings are tuned to (from lowest) G-D-G-D. Its colour is very mellow.

The Zhongruan was first produced in 115 BC. According to the story, Han Wu Emperor wanted to make a plucking musical instrument immediately for the Wu Shun Princess whom he was going to marry. So he ordered his instrument technicians to make it in the shortest time possible. As a result, Ruan was invented.

The Zhongruan is an important instrument in the Chinese Orchestra. It is one of the few tenor / bass instruments in today's Chinese Orchestra.

The Zhongruan is part of the Ruan family. The Ruan family also consists of the daruan and xiaoruan, all of which have nearly the same design and tonal quality as the Zhongruan, differing only in their range. The Daruan is also frequently used in the Chinese Orchestra. Its 4 strings are tuned to D-A-D-A. It was created recently by famous Chinese conductor and composer Peng Xiu-wen, when he realised that there is not enough bass instruments in the Chinese Orchestra. However, the Xiaoruan is not used in the Chinese Orchestra, partially because its range is the same as that of the sweeter sounding and more expressive Liuqin.

Famous pieces for the Zhongruan include The Night of the Torch Festival, The Bells of the Camels along the Silk Road as well as the famous Zhongruan Concerto Reminiscence of Yunnan.

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