Picture taken in Kunming China.
About Pipa...
The history of pipa can trace back
to Chin Dynasty of 3000 years ago.
Through long developments this unique
instrument came to its peak in Tang
Dynasty of the 8th century, as the
Tang poet Pai Ju-yi described pipa's
wonder in his poem: "Big strings roll
like sudden rain/ Small strings speak
like whispers/ So complicated are the
sound played large and tiny pearls
falling on a jade plate." With its
complete musical scales, clear tone
and abundant expressions, pipa gradually
evolved itself from an instrument
accompanying vocals to a solo role.
Because of its unique characteristics
it has been traditionally termed as
"the sound of gold and stone".
Nowadays pipa does not only perform
chinese music, but also go well with
western instruments like cello, flute,
piano and guitar to create innovative
style of music. Not just traditional,
pipa has indeed become international
with all the new combinations and
possibilities.
