The guqin (pronounced “gyoo-kin”), also known as a Chinese harp, is a traditional string instrument that holds significant historical importance.
It produces a sound that is commonly included in many cultural artifacts used to convey Chinese culture to the Western world. Anyone who hears it will instantly recognize it. Centuries ago, it was considered one of the four artistic accomplishments to be a literati artist in China—the other three being the game of go, calligraphy and painting. The guqin lies flat and has six strings similar to a guitar, but the strumming is more like how a piano works when played.
If you’re like us, you love music and may even recognize these sounds but have probably never seen one of these before!
The artist, Bai Wuxia, has covered a famous modern Chinese song in the traditional style of the Guqin, and it’s hauntingly beautiful.
If you were looking for some music to meditate to or to hypnotize you into relaxing, this could be your new favorite tune. Even the way the video is filmed with the musician in soft lighting wearing all white makes the whole scene very calming.
The guqin is most commonly played by women, though not exclusively.
Perhaps it’s because of the intricate strumming patterns which are generally easier for musicians with smaller fingers. Most paintings from the Literati period in China, starting around the 15th century, depict women as guqin players. Still, there are a few paintings that also include men.
The way she moves her fingers is mesmerizing and it’s incredible to see the small movements she makes change the tune of the instrument so drastically.
It’s traditional, but it’s still played and loved by modern musicians.
Something about playing it in a historic-looking setting suits the sound so well!
28-year-old Bai Wuxia didn’t start to play the guqin until she was in University because her parents wanted her to have a formal education before picking up hobbies.
It takes thousands of hours and patience to perfect, but she was dedicated, and became a master of the art.
Sa Dingding is the original artist behind this hauntingly beautiful song. And if you’ve never heard of her, takes notes. This won’t be the last time.
She’s currently one of China’s biggest stars, and was the first Chinese person ever nominated for a Grammy Award for her work in 2008. She writes mostly folk music in Mandarin and English in addition to Tibetan chanting—in some of her songs, she even adds in her own made-up language! Her music is becoming increasingly pop-focused and includes some Western dance music features. Still, through it all, she always maintains a traditional air.
This talented guqin player had a fantastic idea when she chose to cover such a famous modern song with her traditional instrument.
The cover photo on their YouTube channel almost looks like an old painting of men and women in traditional clothing playing traditional instruments.
But if you take a closer look, you can see it’s actually a modern photograph of their musical group! But it certainly makes their talents clear.
Bai Wuxia’s video has gathered more than 16 million views from all over the world.
Music has no language! It transcends borders and oceans and evokes emotions no matter where the listener may be.
Watch the video below to see the intricate details of Bai Wuxia’s incredible performance:
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