Resources
Shanxi School


    The Shanxi area also known as the “Qin” area is the birth place of Chinese guzheng.  
    However, guzheng music almost can’t be found in this area before 1950s.  The only
    place in this area that still has some guzheng music is the Yulin area.  Zheng music
    in Yulin area has more than 300 years of history.  However, since Yulin area is far in
    the country side with limited communication to the outside world, the zheng
    techniques used remain traditional.  There is little vibration techniques with the left
    hand and on the right hand, only the thumb and the index finger are used to pluck.  


    In the 1950s, guzheng masters such as Cao Zheng, Guo Zhicheng, and Wang
    Xingwu started a “Revival of Qin Muic” movement.  Many scholars and musicians
    participated and composed numerous “Qin” flavored guzheng music pieces based on
    Shanxi drama music, Yulin guzheng music and Shanxi drum music.  New playing
    techniques are created along with this new music.


    Shanxi Guzheng Music is very unique.  First of all, the temperament of Shanxi
    Guzheng music is different from the "twelve average temperament".  4(fa) and 7(si)
    are noted for their instability.  In “Huanyin” (Happy Tune), 4 and 7 are played regularly;
    in “Kuyin” (Sad Tune), 4 is played closer to a sharp “fa”, while 7 is played closer to a
    lower “si”.  When play Shanxi Guzheng Music, the player has to figure out which part
    is Huanyin and which part is Kuyin in order to play the music correctly.  


    The Shanxi Guzheng Music is often sad in tune with strong emotion.  Famous pieces
    include “Qin’s Mulberry Song”, “Drum Music of Xiang Mountain”, and “Tears of Jiang
    Lady.”  Great Shanxi Guzheng Musicians are Zhou YenJia and Qu Yun.