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The Erhu and Erhu Music Jerry Lin, PhD 5 March, 2022 9:30 am - 11:00 am PT |
Artist's Statement:
“…the erhu has been an important part of my life. I find pleasure, beauty and tranquility when I play the instrument. The erhu is probably the most important and widely used instrument in China, from traditional music to regional operas. It’s unique form - playing techniques and distinctive tunes - makes it very impressive and recognizable. Erhu music, as I always say, is as Chinese as it gets."
The Erhu (二胡) is a two stringed, bowed musical instrument, with a distinctly expressive and melodic sound resembling the human voice. Its music is rooted in the vocal and opera styles. First appearing in China in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it can be traced back to proto-Mongolic instruments and is believed to have originated from the Xi people. Also known as the Chinese Violin, it is played upright, resting on the lap.
The construction of the Erhu includes a hardwood, such as zi tan (紫檀 red sandalwood), lao hong mu (老红木 aged red wood), wu mu (乌木 black wood), or hong mu (红木 red wood), snakeskin and typically, silk strings. Exceptionally fine instruments might be made from pieces of old furniture. However, much of the Erhu's unique sound is produced through vibration of python skin on the resonator, by bowing. The traditional use of this material has led to several regulations in China requiring they be sourced from licensed and farm-raised, not wild, pythons.
The Erhu remains a popular instrument in solo and small ensemble music, as well as the Chinese Orchestra. Many of the music pieces played today derive from early 20th century compositions. Two important composers at that time were Liu Tianhua 劉天華 (1895-1932) and Hua Yanjun 華彥鈞 (1893-1950).
Join First Saturday PDX as musician Dr Jerry Lin performs the lyrical music of the Erhu, and shares its history and place in musical tradition.
Selected for their different origins and moods, these are performed by Dr Lin in our session:
草原新牧民
(New Herdsmen on the Grassland)
Composed by performer Liu Changfu in the 1970s, it describes the colorful life and joyful mood of the new generation of young herdsmen on the Inner Mongolia prairie. The work is rich with characteristic northern grassland flavor.
姑苏行
(A Trip to Suzhou)
Arranged from a solo of bamboo flute, the melody used local musical called Kūnqǔ/ 昆曲 as the basic element. The music painted a soothing, tranquil, and relaxed picture where people enjoyed the beautiful scenery in Suzhou.
河南小曲
(Folk Tune of Henan)
Composed by Erhu Master Liu Mingyuan with the components of Henan musical, Yùjù/ 豫剧 as the primary phrase. With fresh melody, strong flavor and various playing techniques, it vividly shows the pride of the Henan people to their hometown.
草原新牧民
(New Herdsmen on the Grassland)
Composed by performer Liu Changfu in the 1970s, it describes the colorful life and joyful mood of the new generation of young herdsmen on the Inner Mongolia prairie. The work is rich with characteristic northern grassland flavor.
姑苏行
(A Trip to Suzhou)
Arranged from a solo of bamboo flute, the melody used local musical called Kūnqǔ/ 昆曲 as the basic element. The music painted a soothing, tranquil, and relaxed picture where people enjoyed the beautiful scenery in Suzhou.
河南小曲
(Folk Tune of Henan)
Composed by Erhu Master Liu Mingyuan with the components of Henan musical, Yùjù/ 豫剧 as the primary phrase. With fresh melody, strong flavor and various playing techniques, it vividly shows the pride of the Henan people to their hometown.
Note:
In observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month the folks at The Immigrant Story invite you to join on 6 May for a free performance of “I Am an American: Stories of Exclusion and Belonging - Live” at the Patricia Reeser Center for the Arts.
This free event will kick off with original pan-Asian music composed for this occasion that combines sounds from Asia with Western harmonies played by an assembly of eminent musicians from the Portland area who are trained in a variety of traditions, including Dr Lin.
More information here
In observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month the folks at The Immigrant Story invite you to join on 6 May for a free performance of “I Am an American: Stories of Exclusion and Belonging - Live” at the Patricia Reeser Center for the Arts.
This free event will kick off with original pan-Asian music composed for this occasion that combines sounds from Asia with Western harmonies played by an assembly of eminent musicians from the Portland area who are trained in a variety of traditions, including Dr Lin.
More information here
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About the presenter:
Originally from Shanghai, Jerry Lin holds a PhD in biochemistry at OHSU and has had a long career in the biotech industry. Loving music at an early age, Jerry started playing the Erhu as a teenager, developing his musical skill as well as a deep knowledge of traditional Chinese music instruments. He has often performed solo or accompanied by another traditional Chinese instrumentalist at summer concerts in the Lan Su Chinese Garden and other local community cultural events. |
Video of this presentation available here
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Join us after the webinar from 11 - 11:30am in our First Saturday PDX Tea House to further the discussion and online social time. Bring a cup of tea! (Separate access link for this will be provided in your single registration for this event.) |
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This presentation is offered via Zoom Webinar:
- Join from computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Register here and receive the links to join the webinar and the Tea House in the same confirmation email.
- See our Zoom page for information on how to connect to the event.
Our program series is supported by Portland State University's Institute for Asian Studies, Northwest China Council and Lan Su Chinese Garden. All our programs are free and open to the public.
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