The notes of the traditional gu zheng fill the auditorium during a Falun Dafa concert held in Washington, DC in July 2002
The gu zheng dates back to at least the "spring and autumn" period in China(770-476 BC). The earliest known form of this instrument had a bamboo frame and five silk strings. During the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), the gu zheng became popular throughout China. The number of strings grew to 12 or 13 in the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD), then again to 15 or 16 by the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The frame also developed from bamboo to paulownia wood. A typical modern gu zheng has 21-25 nylon strings.
The wooden bridges are called "Yan Zhu", or "feet of wild geese". They can move, and so the gu zheng can be tuned to any scale or key. The instrument is played by plucking the strings with one hand and touching them with the other to produce tonal variations.
The gu zheng has been an integral part of traditional Chinese music from ancient times to the present day. It remains one of the main instruments for both solo and chamber music.
Artistically talented practitioners voluntarily travel to contribute to various performances around the world.
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