Inventor's unique take on the yangqin opens up numerous music possibilities

Standing by a black grand piano near the window, Li Yanrong, a Chinese musician and professor, is controlling the instrument and guiding a female vocalist via an iPad.

"The piano is an instrument for solo performance. But with the help of an iPad, it can work as a band," Li says.

A professor of music theory at the Northwest Normal University in Lanzhou, in Gansu province, Li does not only teach music, but also works on inventions related to musical instruments.

He believes that improving instruments is an important part of innovation in the music field.

Li Yanrong, a musician and professor, shows off the super yangqin that he invented. Provided to China Daily

"I try to put new life into traditional instruments through combining them with computers and internet technologies," he says.

'Super yangqin'

Now, Li's latest passion is the yangqin.

The Chinese yangqin, which was introduced from the West as the dulcimer to China 400 years ago, developed into a folk instrument after many improvements, according to Li.

The "super yangqin" Li has invented is played with two hands but can be made to sound like a band.

Through digitization of the traditional Chinese yangqin, the super yangqin can be connected to the internet - which Li believes offers huge possibilities.

"The super yangqin can also be used for distance teaching via the internet. And it can be co-played over long distances too," Li says.

"For instance, I can play music with someone on the other side of the planet through the internet by sharing the super yangqin."

And with 5G it will have more functions, says Li.

Meanwhile, the invention has sparked a lot of discussion in the music industry.

And with compliments have come criticism.

A professor of Chinese yangqin from the Chinese Conservatory of Music, who did not want to be identified, says he is excited by the super yangqin and he thinks it is a brilliant invention.

"It's amazing that Li thought of a way of arranging the piano keys in a column order," he says.

A yangqin player got in touch with Li after learning of the super yangqin, hoping that he can give a show with the new instrument.

But some people said it's not good enough to be called an invention.

"An electric synthesizer facilitated by a keyboard can replace all the instruments in the world. So, the digitization of a single instrument is meaningless repetition," a yangqin fan, who did not want to be named, says.

"There is little high technology in this so-called invention."

But Li is optimistic, saying that any new instrument cannot replace an existing traditional instrument just like the electrical piano has not replaced the traditional one, and the electronic guitar has not made the traditional guitar disappear".

"New instruments just add more possibilities, and they will find their definition and role gradually."

Application

Through the new instrument, children can more easily fall in love with music, Li says.

And Chinese education authorities have been encouraging the introduction of instruments such as the clarinet and harmonica into classrooms.

"However, those instruments are dull and unattractive," Li says.

"The super yangqin, however, can be customized for various groups such as school learners, music professionals or for those with a general interest in music."

In addition, the super yangqin can be used in China's rural areas, says Li.

And thanks to its multiple functions, it can be used for cultural performances in rural areas since it's easy to learn and much easier to play than a piano or a violin.

Contact the writers at dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/01/2019 page5)