Banhu Playing Techniques in Northern China

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to study the technique and application of Banhu. The purposes of this study are: 1) to examine the history of Banhu in northern China; 2) to classify banhu according to the difficulty of his playing skills; 3) to analyze selected music examples. This paper is a qualitative study, including relevant literature research, investigation, observation and interview. Data were collected from a field survey of one Banhu player, two banhu performance educators, and two enthusiasts. By means of field investigation, this paper analyzes the data collected by Banhu educationists and performing artists.

The results of this dissertation are as follows: 1) the collection of data is used to collate and analyze the history of Banhu, including: the structure, sound, function, performance place and musical characteristics of different periods; 2) the difficulty of banhu techniques are used to summarize the classification of the technique. Banhu playing techniques fall into three categories: general, stylistic, and modern. 3) how to use banhu technique in music works through music examples.

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