Chinese Guzheng

Synopsis

The Guzheng is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument with a history of over 2,500 years. It originated in the Qin region during the Warring States period, hence it is also known as the Qin Zheng. It features a wooden soundbox with 21 strings and movable bridges, arranged according to the pentatonic scale. The five major Zheng schools—Henan, Shandong, Chaozhou, Hakka, and Zhejiang—each have their distinct characteristics, with several of these schools being listed as national intangible cultural heritage. The典故 of "High Mountains and Flowing Waters" meeting a kindred spirit originates from the Guzheng.

Overview

The guzheng is one of China's most important traditional plucked string instruments, also known as zheng, Qin zheng, or Han zheng, with a history of over 2,500 years. It originated in the Qin region (present-day Shaanxi area) during the Warring States period, hence the name Qin zheng. The guzheng features a rectangular wooden soundbox strung with silk or metal strings. Beneath the strings are movable bridges (also called yanzhu or "wild goose pillars"), with one string per note, arranged according to the pentatonic scale (gong, shang, jiao, zhi, yu). Modern guzheng typically have 21 strings, offering a wide range and a clear, melodious tone capable of expressing both gentle, lyrical melodies and powerful, majestic passages.

The guzheng is one of the most widespread and widely learned traditional instruments in China. It is estimated that there are over ten million guzheng learners worldwide. Several schools of guzheng art have been inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, including the Zhongzhou School (Henan), Shandong Guzheng Music, Chaozhou School, Hakka School, and Zhejiang School. Alongside the guqin, the guzheng is considered one of the twin jewels of Chinese traditional string instruments, though the guzheng is more popular and accessible for beginners.

Historical Origins

The history of the guzheng can be traced back to the Warring States period. According to Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), the zheng was originally an instrument from the Qin region, reformed and perfected by General Meng Tian. Early zheng had only 5 or 12 strings. Through successive dynasties, the number of strings gradually increased—13 strings during the Tang and Song dynasties, 15 to 16 strings during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The modern standard 21-string guzheng was finalized in the 1960s.

The status of the guzheng has fluctuated throughout history. During the pre-Qin period, it was a popular folk instrument in the Qin region. By the Han and Tang dynasties, zheng music gradually entered formal court settings, becoming an important component of imperial court music. The Tang dynasty was a golden age for guzheng art, producing a large number of excellent compositions and performers. After the Ming and Qing dynasties, the guzheng spread widely among the populace, leading to the formation of distinct regional performance schools.

Famous Compositions and Allusions

"High Mountains and Flowing Water" is China's most famous musical allusion. During the Spring and Autumn period, the qin master Yu Boya was playing in the wilderness. The woodcutter Zhong Ziqi could accurately comprehend the imagery of "aiming at high mountains" and "aiming at flowing water" expressed in his music. The two thus became bosom friends. After Zhong Ziqi's death, Yu Boya, grieving the loss of his understanding friend, broke his qin and severed its strings, never playing again. "High Mountains and Flowing Water meeting a true friend" has since become the highest praise for a profound spiritual connection through music. Although this allusion is originally associated with the guqin, it later became widely applied to guzheng art as well.

Five Major Schools

The five major schools each have distinct characteristics, reflecting the musical cultural styles of different regions in China. The Henan and Shandong schools are vigorous and bold, representing the masculine beauty of northern zheng music. The Chaozhou and Hakka schools preserve many ancient musical elements, with an elegant and archaic style. The Zhejiang school incorporates the delicate grace of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music, producing a clear, beautiful, and flowing sound. Modern guzheng instruction is typically based on the Zhejiang school while incorporating the strengths of other schools.

Modern Inheritance

The guzheng maintains vibrant vitality in modern China. It is a major discipline in music conservatories, with a large number of students learning it each year. The guzheng grading examination system has also promoted its popularization, allowing many young people to learn about traditional Chinese culture through studying the instrument. In recent years, the fusion of the guzheng with modern musical elements has produced many excellent works, such as crossover collaborations with pop music and electronic music, infusing this ancient instrument with new vitality.

References

1. China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network: https://www.ihchina.cn/project_details/12693/
2. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/古筝
3. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/古筝
4. Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Development Network: http://www.fybhfzw.com/fyml/166.html