Zhao Xiaoxia is a prominent figure in the preservation and innovation of the guqin, combining traditional and contemporary approaches to the Chinese zither. She serves…
Zhao Xiaoxia: A Leading Figure in Guqin Preservation and Innovation
Tag: Chinese music
Yueqin: The Ancient Chinese Moon Lute
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…
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…