Banhu

Similar to the erhu in shape, this instrument gets its name from the fact that the covering of the sound box is a wooden shingle. The stem is made out of a hard wood like padauk or ebony. The handle of the bow is comparatively thick. Its range is generally five octaves and three-eighths. Because of the energy and lucidity of its tone, the banhu is an important instrument for accompanying north China bangzi performances, as well as traditional operas and folk music recitals. In recent years, it has been used as solo accompaniment for such works as the Shaanxi Paizi Tune (music by Guo Futuan) and Elder Brother Is Home from the Red Army (music by Zhang Changcheng). These compositions draw on qupai and folk tunes from northern Shaanxi, bringing to the fore the vigorous, expansive and ardent "Northwest sound".

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