The Guqin a Chinese Musical Instrument that Helped Defeat an Army
The guqin, or seven-stringed zither, is China’s oldest stringed instrument, and as legend has it, its sweet sounds once helped defeat an army. Now this ancient instrument experiences a modern-day renaissance. This holiday season, NTDTVs Holiday Wonders (live at the Beacon Theater on Broadway, NYC, Dec. 19-24, 2006) brings a unique opportunity to experience the magic of traditional Chinese culture, using traditional and ancient instruments. The magnificence of the backdrops, the abundant imagination, the marvelous music, the splendor of the costumes, and the actors’ great skill–altogether make for outstanding entertainment reflecting China’s 5,000 years of civilization and traditional culture–a culture full of myths and legends.
The first guqins were made about 3,000 years ago. They were very simple, with just one or two strings. As aesthetic concepts flowered and playing skills improved, the instrument changed. By the 3rd century the guqin had seven strings, and was very similar to the instrument played today.
Historically, the guqin has been viewed as a symbol...