KONGHOU

Chinese multistringed, plucked instrument of the harp family. It first appeared in the Han period (206 BCAD 220) and was popular as an orchestral and a solo instrument until about the 14th century, when its importance was largely superseded by other instruments. It became popular again, however, in the 20th century through its use by the Shanghai and the Central traditional orchestras. The sound box of a konghou resembles that of a pi-pa but with a phoenix-headed neck. On each side of the sound box is a row of bridges over which 36 strings are stretched. Fixed to the bridges is a device coordinating the two groups of strings in movements of pressing, kneeding, trilling, and sliding. Its range usually includes five and one-half octaves centred approximately at middle C. Its music is characterized by tension-altering embellishments, glissandos, arpeggiated chords, and register contrast.