LIU Ming-yuan FAVORITE HUQIN PIECES CD

LIU Ming-yuan was born in Tianjin in 1931 and for the last forty years has accumulated a tremendous body of work. Highly praised for his performances of traditional folk music, he has also composed and arranged many pieces which highlight China's rich folk styles and beautiful melodies. In addition, LIU has contributed his historical knowledge and technical expertise of China's many ethnic and bowed-stringed instruments toward their improvements and renovations. He has given solo recitals in more than forty countries including Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. LIU Ming-yuan has also devoted himself to the teaching of Huqin and since 1982 has been a Professor at the China Music Conservatory. A huqin (pronounced hoo-chin) is a general term for two-stringed bowed instruments that include the erhu, jinghu, gaohu, banhu, zhonghu etc...Also known as the “barbarian” (hu) “fiddle” (qin), the huqin is believed to have been brought to China around 140 BC. The tone is soulful and very expressive and many find it similar to the western violin. Liu MIng-yuan is one of the great masters of the huqin.