4 ancient Chinese instruments defined music throughout the ages of bygone eras
Classical Chinese music has a distinctive sound thanks to instruments that have existed for thousands of years
Music is universal across all civilisations, both ancient and modern, and stands as one of the great joys of life.
Another joy is that many of the oldest songs and instruments can be played hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of years later.
Ancient Chinese music features a distinctive sound, enriched by the centuries-long use of string instruments such as guqins and erhus, various types of flutes, and even an ancient organ-like instrument known as the sheng.
Here are four of the most important ancient Chinese instruments and the songs that have come to define them.
Pipa – Ambush from Ten Sides
Often called the “Chinese lute”, the pipa is a four-stringed pear-shaped instrument meant to be plucked.
