The erhu, a traditional Chinese musical instrument that is sometimes known by Westerners as the Chinese fiddle, is an integral part of life in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province. Strolling through the city, ...

The modern erhu developed from a musical instrument called xiqin, which was played by many ethnic minorities during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), musicians began to ...

Well, you are only about a millennium behind the times. But never fear. Opportunities to hear this ancient Chinese two-stringed instrument known for it’s plaintive humanlike tone are on the upswing. A ...

The first time when I heard the [Fritz] Kreisler 'Liebesleid,' I just [felt], 'Wow, that song is just right for the erhu.' The sadness, the sensitivity, the warmth, the romance: It fits my instrument.

Allison Hernandez is modest and soft spoken, but when she picks up the erhu, she slips into another world. With a slight smile on her face and closed eyes, she moves with the music, as she draws her ...

"Her erhu narrates universal tales, with its two strings painting scenes beyond words," a UN-based journalist said after experiencing a concert by Chinese erhu virtuoso Ma Xiaohui. Recently, Ma, a ...

The "Butterfly Lover's Concerto" is such an evocative title, it almost doesn't matter what the music is about. A Chinese folk tale was the inspiration for composer Chen Gang, in this concerto for the ...

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an experience of the senses, an invitation to see, taste, and smell. But for me, more than anything else, the Festival is an auditory experience, with its ...

Apple today has updated GarageBand for Mac and iOS to “celebrate the rich history of Chinese music.” The update for both platforms includes a variety of new sounds and instruments that cater towards ...