The Fourth Erhu Rhapsody Playing Techniques Research

In the short span of the past20years, Erhu stage has been showing almost dramatic changes.Recently, representatives of the professional composers such as Wang Jianmin have brought Erhu works of art to a new height. The education of Erhu from the Chinese Higher School of Musichas also been made to a more difficult, virtuoso level. I found that Wang’s Erhu works was adopted everywhere, not only in the major institutions and orchestra Erhu exams but also in each typeof major domestic and international competitions and concerts. From the First Rhapsody to the Forth Rhapsody, Erhu art has undergone a few significant development, which has its own workswith super-tough technology. Wang’s four Rhapsodies are even designated repertoire in many major governmental compititions. More and more people consider playing Wang’s works as a progressive trend. Some even judge how well a person plays according to his or her performance in rhapsodies. I played Wang’s Rhapsodies many times in the process of learning Erhu, especially inmy graduate school life, during which I studied the Forth Rhapsody of Erhu with the guidance of mentor. After unique artistic guidance of my mentor, I have obtained a deeper understanding ofWang’s Rhapsody. I took a systematic comparison of those four rhapsodies by relearning and researching, and exploring my playing feelings and experiences. In this case study of the Fourth Rhapsody of Erhu, I will make theoretical analysis from the following aspects:1, Erhu rhapsody creative ideas and geographical characteristics style.2,Erhu playing techniques and creative techniques.3,Qualities of the music and artistic value. This essay states how Wang’s Rhapsody Series, as a new theme which is based on traditional music theme, has adopted modern composing skillsand dug out the deepest potential of the ancient music instrument Erhu. Wang’s Rhapsody Serieshas injected fresh vitality to the Chinese folk music composition and has cultivated new fruits from the soil of the Chinese national music culture. Furthermore, Wang’s Rhapsody Series, in a wider range, has significantly promoted the development of the Chinese folk music career.