ChinaAlbums The Zhongruan: China's Moon Guitar
The zhongruan, a medium-sized Chinese plucked lute with a distinctive round body, serves as the harmonic backbone of the Chinese orchestra. Often called the “Chinese guitar” for its similar role in ensemble music, the ruan family of instruments provides the warm, sustained harmonic support that holds Chinese orchestral music together.
What Is the Zhongruan?
The zhongruan is a member of the ruan family of plucked lutes:
- A circular body (giving it its “moon guitar” nickname)
- A long, straight neck with frets
- Four strings
- Played with a plectrum or fingerpicks
The ruan family includes instruments of different sizes: the small gaoruan (soprano), the medium zhongruan (alto), the large daruan (tenor), and the bass diruan.
History
The ruan has a history dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). It is named after Ruan Xian, one of the legendary “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove” who was famous for his playing. The instrument was once called the “ruanxian” in his honor before being shortened to simply “ruan.”
Sound and Role
The zhongruan’s sound is:
- Warm, round, and sustaining
- Similar in character to a classical guitar but with a more mellow quality
- Excellent for harmonic accompaniment
- Capable of both melodic and rhythmic roles
In the Chinese orchestra, the zhongruan section performs a function similar to the viola section in a Western orchestra: providing essential inner-voice harmonies that give the ensemble its fullness.
Modern Usage
- Essential member of every Chinese orchestra
- Solo repertoire has been expanding
- Chamber music combinations with erhu, dizi, and pipa
- Occasionally used in pop and film music
Where to Find Zhongruan Music
Zhongruan music is most readily heard within Chinese orchestral recordings on streaming platforms.