A Grand Story-teller: The Chinese Lute

01/17/19 • 27 min

The pipa is a Chinese lute with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. It is reputed as 'the king of traditional Chinese instruments'. Its sounds can be aggressive and powerful, but also tender and romantic.

Previous Episode

Rechiming China’s Legendary Bells

From China’s Warring States period more than 2,400 years ago, the Zenghouyi chime bells were unearthed in 1978, the year that marked the start of a new chapter in China’s history. The discovery of the bells revealed a design that had been lost to history and enhanced Chinese musicology. It has witnessed the changes of China over the past 40 years.

Next Episode

Dizi, the Unique Sound of Nature

The Dizi is a distinctive wind instrument, which is a kind of flute, expressive and capable of imitating the sounds of nature. The secret of its unique timbre lies in a tiny piece of reed membrane.