The erhu, also known as the Chinese two-stringed fiddle, has a long history. It was called Xiqin during the Song Dynasty. By the time of the Yuan Dynasty, an instrument named Huqin appeared, which is considered the true beginning of the modern erhu. It had a wooden neck, a sound box, and tuning pegs. Starting from the Qing Dynasty, more than ten kinds of Huqin came into use, such as the Zhonghu, Sihu, Gaohu, and Jinghu. They all play important roles in traditional Chinese music.

An erhu usually has a sound box that is round, six-sided, or eight-sided. One end is covered with snake skin, often from a python, and the other end has a beautifully carved opening. The instrument has two strings, and the bow is made of bamboo with horsehair. The bow passes between the two strings. The erhu can cover up to three octaves (八度音). In recent times, many improvements have been made to make its sound even more beautiful.

One of the most famous erhu pieces is Two Springs Reflect the Moon, written by the folk artist Ah Bing from Wuxi in the mid-20th century. The music has two main themes that flow together smoothly. They rise and fall gently, with stronger parts showing the writer’s strong spirit. The piece is full of deep feeling and is very well-organized. Using different bowing methods and five hand positions, the music expresses the artist’s sadness and his difficult experiences in the old society. It is a perfect example of Chinese folk music created by a talented local artist.

The most important modern innovator of the erhu is Liu Tianhua. He wrote ten great works for the instrument. His first piece, Groaning in Illness, shows the feelings of Chinese intellectuals before the May 4th Movement of 1919 — a time when many felt sad and hopeless. Another work, Moonlit Night, was inspired by a quiet summer night under the moon. It took him six years to finish this soft and peaceful melody. Liu also wrote Ode to Dejection, which tells of his own struggles and the disappointment of intellectuals of his time. His piece The Candle Flickers Red was his final work. It has a happy tune with a dance rhythm, and it remains a beloved piece in erhu music.

1. 1. What happened to the erhu during the Yuan Dynasty?

A    It was called Xiqin.

B    Modern erhu began.

C    Many types appeared.

D    It had four strings.

2. 2. What does the second paragraph focus on?

A    Historical development.

B    Physical structure.

C    Famous musicians.

D    Musical techniques.

3. 3. What is TRUE about Two Springs Reflect the Moon?

A    It uses dance rhythms.

B    It describes nature scenes.

C    It was composed by Liu Tianhua.

D    It expresses personal pain.

4. 4. Which piece mainly shows Liu Tianhua’s sorrowful emotions?

A    Moonlit Night.

B    The Candle Flickers Red.

C    Two Springs Reflect the Moon.

D    Groaning in Illness.