Guzheng

2750 years age, the Guzheng was already a popular musical instrument played by the folks in Shanxi and Ganxu Provinces. It soon spread all over China, and even Japan, where it is known as the Koto. Its 17 to 21 strings are stretched lengthwise over a box-like body. Under each string is a movable bridge, which is moved in order to tune the strings. This alters the length of the vibrating part of the string. The Guzheng player wears plectra (plastic fingernails) on the fingers and thumb of her right hand. The left hand is used to produce special effects.

During the Golden Age of China, the Tang Dynasty, the Guzheng was admired by both scholars and the common people. Numerous poems were return about it. The famous poet Bai Juyi wrote about 20 poems to express his admiration for it. Having a soft and elegant timbre, the Guzheng is a very expressive and popular Chinese musical instrument.

Famous pieces written for the Guzheng includes Fisherman's Song At Dusk and High Mountains, Flowing Rivers.

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