Er-Hu
Origin: China
The er-hu was introduced
into China more than a thousand years ago, dated up to the Tang dynasty (618-907)
and related to the instrument, called xiqin originated from a Mongolian tribe
Xi. During the Dynasties of Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911), the erhu underwent
a great development at the time of the golden age of the local operas. After the foundation of People's Republic of China (1949), the repertoire has grown rapidly in the genres of solo, with ensemble as well as concerti with symphony orchestra. Er-hu now has become one of the most popular instruments in China.
The er-hu consists of a long vertical stick-like neck, at the top of which are two large tuning pegs, and at the bottom is a small resonator body covered with python skin on the front (playing) end. Two strings are attached from the pegs to the base, and a small loop of string placed around the neck and strings acting as a nut pulls the strings towards the skin, holding a small wooden bridge in place.
The two tuning handles (pegs) are found close to the end of the stem. The body is fret-less, the player creates different pitches by touching the strings at various positions along the neck of the instrument. The strings are usually made of silk or nylon. Nowadays, metal strings are commonly used. The bow is manufactured of reed, and arched with horse hair in the same way as the violin bow. However, the er-hu bow runs between the two strings.