The shadows of the Chinese parasol trees sway gently, and dappled sunlight spills onto the path of Dalian University of Technology. This path is the daily route for Indonesian international student Tang Xiulian (Gracesela Kristiana Avianto) as she makes her way to the music room in the University Student Activity Center to practice the erhu. Through the changing seasons, her mastery of the instrument has steadily deepened, making her a regular on the university’s cultural stages.
This cross-border musical journey began at a concert in her hometown. When the two strings of the erhu were played, its unique timbre and plaintive, expressive melody reached her ears for the first time. Tang Xiulian was instantly captivated by this “instrument that can speak”. After coming to Dalian for study, she finally got the chance to engage closely with this traditional Chinese instrument that had long captivated her heart and mind.
As a traditional Chinese bowed string instrument, the erhu can perform solo pieces or blend harmoniously in an ensemble. Its distinctive expressiveness and artistic appeal, ranging from delicate softness to lively cheerfulness, have won the admiration of numerous music lovers at home and abroad. “This small erhu evokes the magnificent landscapes of China and conveys the country’s rich history and culture to the world,” Tang Xiulian said.
“At first, I couldn’t even hold the bow correctly, let alone play a complete piece.” Tang Xiulian recalled with a smile. To learn the erhu well, she practiced diligently for three hours every day, refusing to stop even when her fingers blistered. Her progress deeply impressed her Chinese classmate Wang Shengguo. “Starting from scratch, she mastered the entire piece Big Fish & Begonia in just one year.”
In the campus practice room, this cross-border musical duo could always be found. Wang Shengguo refined her vibrato techniques through hands-on guidance, while Tang Xiulian would, during practice breaks, describe the similarities and differences between Indonesian folk music and the erhu in her not-so-fluent Chinese. “The most magical thing about the erhu is its timbre, so close to the human voice, which embodies the joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness of the Chinese people, the changing seasons, and poetic imagery. With just two strings, it can convey such rich emotions,” Tang said, her eyes shining.
Today, Tang Xiulian’s erhu music has extended beyond the campus. At the citywide international student cultural show, her performance of Horse Racing won thunderous applause. At the World Music Culture Museum, she presents the unique charm of the erhu to the visitors passing through. Through online videos, she shares the beauty of the erhu’s sound and the essence of Eastern music with her friends and family far away.
As she drew the bow across the strings, the music resonated. “The erhu helped me find a bond of cultural kinship between China and Indonesia.” As she spoke, Tang Xiulian gently moved the bow, telling her deep love for Chinese culture through the music.
