When was the konghou invented?

When was the konghou invented?

In its heyday it existed in three main types, the vertical, the horizontal, and the phoenix-headed. The konghou was initially believed to have first appeared in the Han period (206 bc–ad 220), but several examples of early konghous—some dating to about 1000 bc—have since been excavated.

Who invented the guqin?

Fuxi
The guqin is usually dubbed as “the Chinese zither,” but even though both are plucked string instruments, they have nothing else in common. Guqin’s original name is “qin,” and the Chinese believe that it was originally invented by Fuxi, a tribe leader and hero of the mythological period in ancient China.

What is a Chinese harp called?

guzheng
1) The guzheng if often described by westerners as a Chinese harp. There already is a Chinese harp: the Kōnghóu! It’s better to call a guzheng a Chinese zither. A harp has a soundboard or resonating chamber that is perpendicular to the strings, while a zither has a soundboard that is parallel to its strings.

What is Konghou made of?

The Wuo Konghou, a horizontal or flat instrument, since it was set flat in front of the performer. The strings were made of silk tied to the surface of the soundboard, and each string rested on multiple frets. The strings were plucked with a wooden pick in one hand and pressed with the other.

Where does the guqin come from?

The Chinese zither, called guqin, has existed for over 3,000 years and represents China’s foremost solo musical instrument tradition. Described in early literary sources and corroborated by archaeological finds, this ancient instrument is inseparable from Chinese intellectual history.

Is the guqin hard to learn?

The guqin has a reputation as an instrument difficult to learn. If that is your aim, it is particularly helpful to remember such concepts as playing qin for an ox.

How is the Konghou played?

The Shoo Konghou, a vertical or upright konghou that originally came from Europe, where it was called a harp, and West Asia along the Silk Road during the Xi Han Dynasty (206 BC-25 AD). It was bow-shaped with 7, 15, 22 or 23 strings. It was played with two hands, but with the thumbs and index fingers only.

Who invented the first zither?

Viennese zitherist Johann Petzmayer (1803–1884) became one of the outstanding virtuosi on these early instruments and is credited with making the zither a household instrument.

What kind of musical instrument is a konghou?

“Quanxi,” a traditional Chinese song, played on a konghou. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Konghou, Wade-Giles romanizationk’ung-hou, Chinese multistringed, plucked instrument of the harpfamily. The sound box of a konghou resembles that of a pipa.

How many strings does a konghou harp have?

Konghou, Wade-Giles romanization k’ung-hou, Chinese multistringed, plucked instrument of the harp family. The sound box of a konghou resembles that of a pipa. On each side of the sound box is a row of bridges over which 36 to 44 strings are stretched.

When was the wo konghou first used in China?

The wo-konghou (卧箜篌) or horizontal konghou, was first mentioned in written texts in the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). It is one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments, similar to guqin and se. The wo- konghou was used to play yayue (court music) in the Kingdom of Chu.

Which is the oldest musical instrument in China?

It is one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments, similar to guqin and se. The wo- konghou was used to play yayue (court music) in the Kingdom of Chu. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) the konghou was used in the qingshangyue genre. This instrument first used the name of konghou, but it has nothing to do with harp.