Zhang Shian's Latest Erhu Practice Collection

Author: Zhang Shian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This book is divided into six parts: Part 1 is scales and arpeggio exercises, featuring over thirty classic exercises ranging from simple first-position techniques to advanced techniques in different positions and keys, including scale, interval, and arpeggio training. This helps students master finger spacing and pitch accuracy when shifting positions. The second part consists of over thirty basic exercises focusing on different bowing and finger techniques, requiring students to skillfully master bowing across various sections and speeds, as well as finger technique application. The third part is dedicated to musicality and tone quality training, emphasizing the practice of erhu vibrato techniques. The erhu vibrato is a unique playing method that mimics the human voice, demanding beautiful, singing-like tone quality with diverse variations. Students are expected to master different vibrato speeds and intensities, as well as the organic coordination and control of bowing force and speed. The fourth part includes over thirty comprehensive technical exercises, primarily focusing on rapid position shifting, agile coordination between both hands, and various bowing techniques to achieve proficiency and perfection in playing skills, thereby better serving musical expression. The fifth part features regional style exercises, selecting music from Anhui province, such as the Huangmei Opera music with Anhui regional playing techniques, the Anhui Flower Drum Lantern music, renowned as the "Ballet of the East," the Lujue music from central Anhui, as well as tuju and youchang (improvisational sections) from the Huai River region. These richly expressive Anhui-style musical fragments provide abundant practice material for enthusiasts of Anhui music. The final part includes fourteen small pieces adapted, transcribed, or co-composed by the author, aiming to enhance students' interest in practicing while they work on basic erhu techniques and training.