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Post by dunhuang on Dec 22, 2016 14:34:31 GMT
Does anyone have a video possibly of someone playing both strings at the same time on an erhu? Apparantly, such a technique is not very common. Why is this? Ive read that it's possible but that it might not sound good. Why is this too? Can somone speak from experience playing both strings at the same time?
Thanks
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Post by edcat7 on Dec 22, 2016 20:26:08 GMT
Hi Dunhuang and welcome,
The last note of Sai Ma is played with both strings. One string is played using the bow hair and the other with the bow. The sound is supposed to sound like a horse neighing.
Other than that I haven't encountered other tunes in which both strings are played at once. Others with more experience than I might though.
Ed
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Post by dunhuang on Dec 23, 2016 13:45:03 GMT
One string is played using the bow hair and the other with the bow. The sound is supposed to sound like a horse neighing. Interesting. How about this: what if one played both strings simaltaneously by applying the bow hairs directly across them both without threading between the strings as though it were a western violin. Would it sound as smooth and clean as double stopping on a violin is? Or does double stopping on an Erhu always sound like a horse.... |
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Post by davidmdahl on Dec 23, 2016 17:19:30 GMT
I have played a tune, other than Sai Ma, that in places was indicated for both strings to be played. As Ed wrote, the technique is to use both the bow hair and the wood of the bow. I find it more of a dramatic technique than something that sounds particularly horsey. The technique is fairly limited though, since you can't finger the strings separately, and the sound quality is not great. As for bowing outside the normal position, the strings are so close together that I don't see separate bowing of the strings and fingering very practical. If you want to play chords or double stops, the erhu is not your best choice.
There's no law against experimenting though.
Best wishes,
David
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