erhuang

melody

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The erhuang is a melodic prototype used in Chinese opera, particularly in jingxi (Peking opera). It is one of two main melodic types, the other being xipi. Erhuang melodies are generally used for serious and lyrical texts.1

The erhuang is played on instruments like the erhu, a two-stringed Chinese fiddle. The erhu has a snakeskin membrane on a drum-like resonator and is played vertically. Skilled performers can produce a wide range of effects with subtle bowing, vibrato, and glissandos. While both erhuang and xipi melodies emphasize a pentatonic scale, erhuang melodies are typically faster and rhythmically denser, often associated with male arias.231

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Chinese music
Jingxi (Peking opera)
…two prototypes called xipi and erhuang. Within each of these general types there are several well-known tunes, but the word prototype has been used to define them, as each opera and each situation is capable of varying the basic melody greatly. The two basic identifying factors are the mode of…
Read More
…two prototypes called xipi and erhuang. Within each of these general types there are several well-known tunes, but the word prototype has been used to define them, as each opera and each situation is capable of varying the basic melody greatly. The two basic identifying factors are the mode of…
Read More