erhu
Two-stringed Chinese instrument
An erhu is a Chinese stringed instrument played with a bow, sometimes called a Chinese violin.
It has two strings, a small resonating body covered with snakeskin, and produces a distinctively plaintive, expressive tone.
The erhu is central to Chinese traditional and folk music: The erhu's melancholy sound filled the teahouse.
Respectful forward inclination
- two-stringedHaving exactly two strings
- spike fiddleLute with protruding endpin
- resonatorFrequency-amplifying device
- snakeskinSerpent's shed epidermis
hexagonal · soundbox · tuning pegs · horsehair · python skin · nylon strings · soundhole · bridge
Pleasing sequence of notes
- pentatonicScale of five tones
- folk songTraditional community music
- soloPerformance by one
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
concerto · accompaniment · improvisation · repertoire · composition · cadenza · phrasing · dynamics
Subdued, lasting sadness
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- nostalgiaLonging for the past
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
plaintive · mournful · wistful · bittersweet · lament · pensive · haunting · expressive
Oscillating pitch effect
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- bowingBending forward in deference
- fingeringNote-playing hand technique
ornamentation · tremolo · harmonics · pizzicato · intonation · timbre · legato · staccato
Supremely accomplished performer
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- street musicianOutdoor performer seeking donations
Traditional staged musical drama
- Peking operaClassical Chinese musical drama
- folk musicCommunity-born acoustic songs
- regional stylePlace-based aesthetic tradition
- wedding musicSounds at a marriage ceremony
funeral music · ballad · heritage · master · apprentice · conservatory
bow
Respectful forward inclination
- two-stringedHaving exactly two strings
- spike fiddleLute with protruding endpin
- resonatorFrequency-amplifying device
snakeskin · hexagonal · soundbox · tuning pegs · horsehair · python skin · nylon strings · soundhole · bridge · nut
melody
Pleasing sequence of notes
- pentatonicScale of five tones
- folk songTraditional community music
- soloPerformance by one
ensemble · concerto · accompaniment · improvisation · repertoire · composition · cadenza · phrasing · dynamics · expression
melancholy
Subdued, lasting sadness
yearning · plaintive · mournful · wistful · bittersweet · lament · pensive · haunting · expressive · lyrical
vibrato
Oscillating pitch effect
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- bowingBending forward in deference
fingering · ornamentation · tremolo · harmonics · pizzicato · intonation · timbre · legato · staccato · trills
virtuoso
Supremely accomplished performer
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- street musicianOutdoor performer seeking donations
Chinese opera
Traditional staged musical drama
- Peking operaClassical Chinese musical drama
- folk musicCommunity-born acoustic songs
- regional stylePlace-based aesthetic tradition
wedding music · funeral music · ballad · heritage · master · apprentice · conservatory
fusion band
Ensemble blending musical genres
erhuviolin
Bowed string instrument
fiddle · cello · viola · double bass · rebec