Stories of the Guqin
Echoes of the Past: The Resonance Beyond the Strings
Guqin Knowledge
Historical Origins
The guqin has a history spanning over 3,000 years. It was already widely practiced during the time of Confucius and is considered the foremost of the "Four Arts": zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Product Construction
The guqin is 3 feet 6.5 inches long, symbolizing the 365 days of a year; its 13 hui represent the 12 months plus the leap month.
Performance Techniques
Basic techniques include Pi, Tuo, Mo, Tiao, Gou, Ti, Da, and Zhai. The coordination of both hands produces rich tonal colors.
Classic Tracks
High Mountains and Flowing Water
Pre-Qin PeriodThe timeless friendship between Boya and Ziqi
Yu Boya's zither playing was masterful, and Zhong Ziqi understood the meaning of high mountains and flowing water in his music. After Ziqi died, Boya broke his zither and cut its strings, never playing again for the rest of his life.
Guangling San
Wei and JinJi Kang's Final Masterpiece Before His Execution
Ji Kang, one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, was renowned for playing this piece. Calmly requesting his zither before his execution, he played and sighed, "The Guangling San is lost with me," becoming a legendary masterpiece.
Wild Geese Descending on the Sandy Beach
Ming DynastyA Poetic Landscape by the River in Autumn
A tranquil autumn scene: geese flying south, resting on the riverbank sands, reflecting a scholar's serene detachment from worldly affairs.
Three Variations on the Plum Blossom
Eastern Jin DynastyThe noble character of the plum blossom that blooms in snow and ice
A theme centered on the plum blossom, presented through three variations to showcase its resilience in blooming alone amidst the cold, symbolizing the character of a noble gentleman.
Fisherman and Woodcutter's Dialogue
Song DynastyWisdom of Living in Seclusion
Through a conversation between a fisherman and a woodcutter, the text expresses detachment from worldly fame and fortune, embracing a life of freedom among mountains and waters.
The Eighteen Songs of the Hu Flute
Eastern HanCai Wenji's Lament of Homesickness
Cai Yan (Wenji) returned to Han China after twelve years in captivity among the Xiongnu. She composed this piece to express her deep longing for home and sorrow over her fate, moving countless hearts.
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