High Mountains and Flowing Water

The guzheng is a traditional Chinese string instrument (arched zither) with almost 3,000 years of history. It is considered the forerunner of many similar instruments from Asia. Today it usually has 21 strings and is used both as a solo instrument and in various ensemble combinations. It has a beautiful tone, a rich and wide range of playing techniques and expressive nuances.

The story of the high mountain and the flowing water, Gaoshan Liushui, is about the friendship between a musician and a woodcutter. This tale is the basis for a well-known piece with classical Chinese aesthetics. The music of this piece not only describes the majestic grandeur of the mountains and the delicacy of the river, but also conveys – in Chinese perception – the difficulty of finding a soul mate in this world.

In this guided tour, guzheng player and ethnomusicologist Dr. Ruirui Ye gives an insight into the world of guzheng. She will be accompanied by Dr. Maurice Mengel, head of the media department of the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art. The tour will cover the long history of the instrument as well as the musical practice of the instrument in China today. The instrument itself will also be played. Afterwards there will be an opportunity to ask questions. The tour will be held in German.