What is a guqin?

Guqin, also known as the lyre, Qin Yu, Sitong and lyre, is a traditional plucked instrument of the Han nationality in China, with a history of more than 3,000 years, belonging to the silk in the eight tones. Guqin has a wide range, deep timbre and lingering sound.

"Qin" has been its specific meaning since ancient times. From 65438 to 1920s, it was renamed Guqin to distinguish it from piano. At the beginning, it was 5 strings, and it was customized to 7 strings in the Han Dynasty. There are 13 emblems that mark the rhythm. They are also ritual vessels and musical instruments. Qin is the most famous musical instrument in China culture, and it is said that "a scholar does not withdraw the Qin without reason" and "left the Qin and right the book". Ranked first among the four traditional arts of China, Qin, Qi, calligraphy and painting, it is regarded as an elegant representative by literati, and it is also an accompaniment instrument when literati sing. Since ancient times, it has been a necessary knowledge and compulsory subject for many literati. The story of Boya and Zhong Ziqi's bosom friend "high mountains and flowing water" has been passed down to this day; Qintai is considered as a symbol of friendship. Qin is found in a large number of poems.

There are more than 3360 piano pieces, 130 piano scores and 300 piano pieces. The main dissemination scope is China, Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia and other countries and regions in China cultural circle, and there are also piano clubs organized by European and American pianists. Guqin, as the earliest plucked instrument in China, is a treasure in Chinese culture and a masterpiece of human oral and intangible heritage.