Konghou

The Konghou is a beautiful harp-shaped ancient plucked-strings instrument. It has a wide tonal range; its low register is deep and rich while its high register is clear and bright. It is capable of playing glissandos.

As early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), the Konghou was brought into China by Persian merchants via the Silk Road, which then spread all over China in 400 AD. Figures playing the Konghou can be seen in the magnificent Dunhuang Frescoes. It was a popular instrument in the royal courts during the Sui and Tang Dynasties and poems were written praising its beautiful colour and tone.

However, for some unknown reason, the Konghou slid into obscurity during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). In the 1930s, the Konghou was remade by the Shanghai Ta Tung Music Research Institute. Its volume was increased and timbre beautified. Furthur improvement were made by Xie Qi-hua from the Shengyang Musical Instrument Factory and Zhang Kun from the Shengyang Conservatory of Music. In 1982, Zhang Kun successfully designed a Konghou with modulations, which is capable of poluphonic music.

Famous pieces for the Konghou includes Night Raindrops on the Window.

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