Erxian

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The erxian (二弦, literally "two string") is a Chinese bowed string instrument in the huqin family of instruments. It has two strings and is used primarily in Cantonese music. In the 1920s, following the development of the gaohu, the erxian experienced a decline and since the late 20th century has been little used.

Similar instruments also called erxian (constructed and played differently from the Cantonese erxian discussed above) are used in Chaozhou music and in the nanguan music of the Fujian province and Taiwan.

[edit] External links

• Article about nanyue erxian (Chinese)
• Erxian photograph
• Photograph of nanguan erxian
• Erxian page (Chinese)

[edit] See also

• Huqin
• Gaohu
• Traditional Chinese musical instruments