Gu Zheng: Ancient Zither
The earliest recorded history of the Chinese Guzheng appeared in the Qin dynasty, about 237 BC. This ancient Chinese Zither originally had only 5 strings and was about 1.6 meters long. Later on the Zheng evolved to include 12 or 13 strings .The modern version is usually a 21-string instrument with 1.63 meters length, although 23 or 25 stringed Zheng are also available. The earliest strings were made of silk, nowadays of steel wound with nylon. Traditionally, Guzheng was played by means of the right hand plucking strings on one side of the bridge and the left hand stopping or vibrating the string on the other side. Nowadays, the left hand may also be used to pluck strings in concert.
From its very beginning, Guzheng gained popularity rather quickly
and spread far and wide. As it spread from one region to another, it
became integrated with local operas, story telling, and other music
genre. Each of the regions developed their own musical themes and
performing techniques which gradually coalesced into five major
schools:
Ms. Xia Bing, Guzheng virtuoso and teacher offers classes for children and adults through TCCII.
Ms. Bing's Guzheng Solo CD, The Rising Moon, is now available!