拉弦乐器（String Instruments – Bow – drawn Instruments）
二胡（Erhu）
- 构造与发声原理
- 二胡主要由琴筒（共鸣箱）、琴杆、两根琴弦和琴弓组成。琴筒通常为木制，一端蒙有蟒皮。两根琴弦横跨琴筒和琴杆。琴弓是由弓杆和马尾制成。当演奏者用琴弓摩擦琴弦时，琴弓的马尾与琴弦之间产生摩擦，使琴弦振动。这些振动传递到琴筒，琴筒内的空气随之振动，从而发出声音。蟒皮在塑造音色方面起着至关重要的作用，使二胡的音色柔和、圆润，接近人声。
- 例如，在演奏像《二泉映月》这样的传统中国乐曲时，二胡独特的发声机制使其能够表达诸如忧郁、渴望等深沉的情感。琴弦的振动和琴筒的共鸣共同营造出丰富而富有表现力的音色。
- 演奏技巧
- 运弓技巧：二胡演奏中有多种运弓技巧。最基本的是平稳的运弓动作。演奏者需要控制琴弓在琴弦上的速度、压力和位置，以产生不同的力度和音色。例如，缓慢而轻柔的运弓可以营造出柔和、温柔的音色，适合表达温柔和深情的情绪。相反，快速而有力的运弓则可以产生强烈、激昂的声音。
- 左手技巧：左手手指用于按弦，改变琴弦的振动长度，从而改变音高。左手的一个重要技巧是揉弦。通过轻微晃动按弦的手指，使音高产生波动效果，丰富了音乐的表现力。另一个技巧是滑音，手指沿着琴弦滑动，实现音高之间的平滑过渡，营造出悠扬、连贯的效果。
- 音乐风格与应用场景
- 二胡是一种用途广泛的乐器。在中国传统民间音乐中，它常用于演奏独奏曲目，表达从生活的喜悦到分离的悲伤等各种各样的情感。例如，在中国北方的民间音乐中，二胡可以演奏活泼、充满活力的曲调，展现当地人民的热情和活力。除了独奏表演外，它也是中国民族管弦乐队中的重要乐器。它既可以演奏主旋律，也可以提供和声支持，与琵琶、古筝等其他乐器融合良好，营造出丰富和谐的音乐织体。
- 在中国传统戏曲中，二胡是伴奏的关键部分。例如，在京剧里，它与演唱者的唱腔紧密配合，跟随演唱的节奏和音调，增强表演的情感表达。二胡的音色能够呼应并强调演员表演的细微之处，使整体艺术效果更加生动、引人入胜。
Erhu
- Construction and Sound – production Principle
- The erhu is mainly composed of the resonator (sound box), the neck, two strings, and a bow. The resonator is usually made of wood with a python – skin membrane stretched over it. The two strings are stretched across the resonator and the neck. The bow is made of a stick with horsehair attached to it. When the player moves the bow across the strings, the friction between the bow hair and the strings causes the strings to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the resonator, and the air inside the resonator vibrates as well, producing sound. The python – skin membrane plays a crucial role in shaping the timbre, making it soft, mellow, and close to the human voice.
- For example, in a performance of a traditional Chinese melody like “Two Springs Reflect the Moon”, the unique sound – production mechanism of the erhu allows it to express deep emotions such as melancholy and longing. The vibration of the strings and the resonance of the sound box work together to create a rich and expressive tone.
- Playing Techniques
- Bow – handling Techniques: There are various bow – handling techniques in erhu playing. The most basic is the smooth bowing motion. The player needs to control the speed, pressure, and position of the bow on the strings to produce different dynamics and timbres. For example, a slow and light bow stroke can create a soft and gentle tone, suitable for expressing a tender and affectionate mood. A fast and forceful bow stroke, on the other hand, can produce a powerful and passionate sound.
- Left – hand Techniques: The left – hand fingers are used to press the strings to change the vibrating length of the strings and thus change the pitch. One of the important left – hand techniques is vibrato. By slightly shaking the finger that is pressing the string, a wavering effect is added to the pitch, which enriches the expressiveness of the music. Another technique is gliding, where the finger slides along the string to achieve a smooth transition between pitches, creating a melodious and continuous effect.
- Musical Styles and Application Scenarios
- The erhu is a highly versatile instrument. In traditional Chinese folk music, it is often used to play solo pieces that express a wide range of emotions, from the joys of life to the sorrows of separation. For example, in North China’s folk music, the erhu can play lively and energetic tunes, showing the local people’s enthusiasm and vitality. In addition to solo performances, it is also an important instrument in Chinese orchestra settings. It can play both the main melody and provide harmonic support, blending well with other instruments such as the pipa and the guzheng to create a rich and harmonious musical texture.
- In traditional Chinese opera, the erhu is a crucial part of the accompaniment. For example, in Beijing Opera, it closely cooperates with the singer’s voice, following the rhythm and intonation of the singing to enhance the emotional expression of the performance. The erhu’s timbre can echo and emphasize the nuances of the actor’s performance, making the overall artistic effect more vivid and engaging.