The yueqin, or moon lute, is a traditional Chinese string instrument distinguished by its round, hollow soundboard, short fretted neck, and typically four strings. Known…
Yueqin: The Ancient Chinese Moon Lute
Tag: Chinese music
Gao Hong and Zhao Xiaoxia Explore the Depth and Beauty of Chinese String Music
Gao Hong and Zhao Xiaoxia – Prelude to the Divine Realm 神遊引 (Naxos World, 2025) Prelude to the Divine Realm is an exceptional collaboration between…
Guqin, the Ancient Zither of China
(headline image: Guqin) The guqin is a seven-stringed plucked zither. It is a long, narrow instrument formed by two planks of wood glued together. As…
The Pipa: An Enduring Pear-Shaped Chinese Lute
(headline image: Landtom professional chicken wing wood Chinese pipa) The pipa, a traditional Chinese lute with a history dating back to the Han dynasty (206…
Gao Hong and Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde present ‘Alondra’, an Encounter of Pipa and Guitar
Gao Hong & Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde – Alondra (ARC Music, 2024) Alondra, the latest album from Chinese pipa master Gao Hong and flamenco guitarist Ignacio…
Great Music, Format Notwithstanding
Admitting with utmost candor that I liked it best when compact discs were the norm, I just as freely admit that the march of time…
Lively Appalachian Strings Meet Chinese Dulcimer
Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian – From China to Appalachia (Community Music, Inc. and Redeye Distribution, 2024) Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalists Cathy Fink…
Guzheng, the Enchanting Ancient Zither of China
(headline image: FFYUEEE professional rosewood guzheng, 163Cm) The guzheng (ancient zheng), or simply zheng, is a traditional Chinese zither. This venerable instrument, with its 21–27…
Pipa Master Min Xiao-Fen Releases Metta, Soundtracks for Historic Chinese Silent Films
Visionary pipa soloist, Min Xiao-Fen, has recorded a new album titled Metta. Commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution in 2023, Min has created original soundtracks for…
Enchanting Hani Polyphonic Singing Album Takes Listeners on A Transcendent Journey
Various Artists – Hani Polyphonic Singing in Yunnan China (Sublime Frequencies, 2023) Hani Polyphonic Singing in Yunnan, China features various artists meticulously captured by the…