Pipa, a four-string lute in pear shape, is an instrument that witnesses the cultural communication. The instrument was introduced from Central Asia around 2,000 years ago, and became very popular in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when the society embraced exotic art forms fervently. Through ages, the instrument has become an indispensable part of traditional Chinese music.

The Pipa tunes have very diverse styles, and are traditionally classified as either Wen Qu (civil and mild tone) or Wu Qu (martial and fierce tone).

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Yang Chun Bai Xue

Yang Chun Bai Xue literally means spring snow. This piece is perhaps the best-known Pipa tune.

Jin She Kuang Wu

Frantic dance of the golden snake. This is one of the most popular Pipa tunes.

Yi Zu Wu Qu

Dance of the Yi Ethnic Group, which is an ethnic minority in southern China.

Han Gong Qiu Yue

Autumn moon of the palace in the Han Dynasty. The music reveals the bitterness and grief of the young maids in the palace.

Zi Zhu Diao

Rhythm of the purple bamboo. Shanghai is planning to make this melody its city tune.

Yue Xia Huan Wu

Joyous dance under the moon.

Gan Hua Hui

Going to the flower fair.

Yue Er Gao

The moon hanging high in the sky.

Ying Zhou Gu Diao

Ancient tune from Yingzhou.

Xi Yang Xiao Gu

This is a representative Pipa melody.

Song Wo Yi Zhi Mei Gui Hua

Give me a rose.

Si Chun

Pondering about spring.

Sai Shang Qu

Tune on the north of the Great Wall. This is a classic nostalgic melody.
     
Windows Media Player is required for playing all the music here.