Jinling Lu, my favorite road, is lined with music shops. Below, a man plays the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument also known as the Chinese violin.
Music Shop, Jinling Lu
Jackie, the manager of a restaurant on Jinling Lu that I happened to stop at the day after the place opened, showed me the way to this store and served as my interpreter. I was amazed at the quality of their Shanghainese factory-made violins. After playing for a few minutes, I asked them if anyone there could give me lessons. There was actually an elementary Suzuki student practicing with an old teacher in the back. They told me that I didn’t need lessons, so I asked them how I could learn Chinese Classical music. I was disappointed that they could only recommend bookstores for sheet music.
I then picked up the erhu, which was very difficult to play, especially considering there are only 2 strings. The angle at which you hold the body and bow is key. I’ve been inquiring about erhu lessons and hope to buy one to bring back to the States.
Videos:
My apologies that the erhu cannot be heard too clearly over the background music of the practicing Suzuki violin student. Book 3 of the method, I think?
Part I – Erhu player – Part I
Part II – Erhu player – Part II