英文介绍民族乐器.doc

1-2. Kong HouOne of the most ancient Chinese music instruments that appeared in written texts of the Spring and Autumn period (around 600 BC). The structure of the Konghou looks similar to the harp, however, with its bridges spanning the strings in the way similar to guzheng. There were three kinds of Kong Hou: horizontal konghou, vertical konghou and phoenix-head konghou. Unfortunately not much of this ancient instrument has been preserved. The reproduction of the konghou started in the mid 50s. The structure of Todays konghou is a combination of vertical konghou and horizontal konghou with the shape similar to harp. The performing skill is diversified. Besides right-hand techniques, the left hand can play vibratos, glissandos, etc. The tone quality is mellow and graceful and has a typical Chinese flavor. 1-3. PipaThe pipa is a fairly large lute-like instrument with large frets and a broad finger-board. It was introduced into China from Central Asia prior to the Tang Dynasty, and has both a literary and a martial repertory. This fine recording illustrates both:In this case, there are other recordings available on Western labels, although the present one is clearly superior. I have seen none from China, oddly enough.The pipa is a four stringed lute with a pear-shaped body. Its short, bent neck has 30 frets which extend onto the soundboard, offering a wide range (3.5 octavos). This instrument appears in texts dating up to the second century B.C. There are a lot of written texts of the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) about pipa music played and the stories that inspired the composition for those pipa pieces. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the pipa is one of the most popular Chinese instruments, and has maintained its appeal in solo as well as chamber genres. The pipa technique is characterised by spectacular finger dexterity and virtuosi programmatic effects. Rolls, slaps, pizzicato, harmonics and noises are often combined into extensive tone poems vividly des