A Historical Overview Of Ruan In The 20^th Century

Ruan is an expressive popular national musical instrument. During its long-historied development in the ancient times, it had great influence in many related fields. Ruan can be found in massive historical documents, images and archaeological finds. Since Tang and Song Dynasties, Ruan has changed largely in its form and structure, also in its use occasions. Unfortunately, no music score for Ruan has ever been discovered in any historical records. Within a hundred years, under the work of various art associations and of many musicians, Ruan has been reformed to be able to make performance together with orchestra. Ruan is developing gradually into a solo national musical instrument. Series of Ruan were born in its structure evolution process. At present, Ruan is widely used in kinds of performance forms, and also distinguished compositions are widely spread. However, inquiry and research are demanded in many aspects of this instrument. This essay will, on the basis of former research results, make a detailed textual research on its structure evolution, on its playing technique, and on the track of its works in the 20th century. And by reviewing the exist-enviroment of Ruan historically, some thoughts here may invite your attention.