What is the history of the Zheng?
The zheng originated in the 3rd century bc. It can still be heard in surviving courtly solo and chamber music in Vietnam, where it is known as a tranh. The zheng was used in folk music ensembles or local operas. In the 20th century it has gradually become a solo musical instrument.
Who invented the first guzheng?
In 1961 Xu Zhengao together with Wang Xunzhi introduced the first 21-string guzheng after two years of research and development. In 1961, they also invented the “S-shaped” left string rest, which was quickly adopted by all guzheng makers and is still used today, whether in the shape of the letter “S”, “C”, etc.
Is it hard to learn guzheng?
It’s not impossible. The violin is known to be one of the more difficult instruments to master. It’ll sound shrieky and scratchy for the first few months to a year or so, but starting maybe year 2 (depending on your talent and your tenacity), you can get a smoother, sweeter sound out of it.
How heavy is a guzheng?
around 20 to 30 pounds
It’s not that heavy! An average guzheng is around 20 to 30 pounds. It looks long and chunky, but many people are often surprised at how easily they can pick up the instrument and carry it for some distance.
What’s the difference between guzheng and Zheng zithers?
“Zheng” will refer to the various zithers that eventually became the modern instrument. So, “zheng” is a general term, “guzheng” is more specific. (5a) (5b) Let’s start with the oldest information we have access to: Legends! The legend of the zithers begins with the Yellow Emperor (黄帝, Huángdì).
When did the guzheng electric guitar come out?
The guzheng is a fascinating mix of new and old. The modern instrument is a product of the 1960s – but like the electric guitar it traces its origins to earlier instruments. Unlike the electric guitar, its predecessors date from 6th century BCE in China or earlier.
What did Meng Tian do with the Zheng?
A third legend says the famous general Méng Tián (蒙恬) from the Qin dynasty had a hand in shaping what would become the zheng. My Chinese is not good enough to relate the story, so all I can say is that Méng Tián added string (s) and/or changed the shape of an existing instrument to improve its function and possibly use it for psychological warfare.
Who was the first person to play the guzheng?
(Dr. Han does mention that modern scholars agree the guzheng came about as a separate instrument in the 5th century BCE but doesn’t explain why.) A third legend says the famous general Méng Tián (蒙恬) from the Qin dynasty had a hand in shaping what would become the zheng.
