I saw this Chinese gentleman in Jack London Square, Oakland, today, and tried to talk to him to ask him the name of the instrument he was playing. He spoke no English. I soon saw that language wasn’t necessary between student and teacher. I came home and Googled Chinese musical instruments and found that it was the Erhu being played; an instrument introduced into China more than a thousand years ago.
Photos by Angeline M
Interesting instrument!
There’s something similar in Indian folk music too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/abpix/4229207371/
Isn’t this world wonderful? Made up of so many different cultures, but with a lot of similarities.
Just saw this instrument the other day on the Israeli version of The Amazing Race. The sound is too squeaky for my taste, but I like the simplicity of the Erhu (thanks for teaching me this new word).
I’ve seen in played a couple of other times in San Francisco by street musicians. Intriguing instrument. Squeaky, yes indeed, but interesting.