Discovering China - Chinese Musical Instruments: The Guzheng

[Ben Hedges, Host] "Well, I'm here with June Chen. She plays the traditional Chinese musical instrument—the Guzheng. June, thank you for coming to speak with us in the studio." [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "I'm very happy to be here." [Ben Hedges, Host] "Could you please give us an introduction to this instrument?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "This is a traditional instrument of the Han Chinese people. It became very popular during the Warring States period and the Qin Dynasty that followed. At that time, it was a court instrument. "This part is where you adjust the tone, these are the strings. There are 21 strings in total. These things are called "ma" and they set the notes." [Ben Hedges, Host] "What are the characteristics of its sound?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "Its sound is pretty melodic and its tonal range is wide. And it has the ability to convey the feelings of (Chinese) history." [Ben Hedges, Host] "How long have you studied (the Guzheng) for?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "I have studied it for about 10 years." [Ben Hedges, Host] "10 years? How old are you now?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "I am now 14-years old." [Ben Hedges, Host] "So you started when you're 4. Is it a very difficult instrument to learn? How long do you have to practice each day?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "In the past I practiced for about an hour a day. Now I practice about half an hour." [Ben Hedges, Host] "How did start to play the Guzheng? Was it your parents who asked you to do so?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "I saw a performance by a teacher playing Guzheng. The first time I saw this instrument my eyes lit up so I asked my parents to let me study it." [Ben Hedges, Host] "What benefits do you feel playing the Guzheng brings you?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "It means I get to study the traditional Chinese culture and understand aspects of the music of ancient people." [Ben Hedges, Host] "Very interesting. Could you please play a typical Guzheng piece for us?" [June Chen, Guzheng Player] "The piece I am going to play is called, "Spring Dawn in the Snowy Mountains." This song illustrates the scene of Tibetans singing and dancing happily—praising the mountains and rivers of Tibet."