The harp and the gonghou are two musical instruments with a long history, each with its own characteristics, which are both related to and distinct. Here's a detailed comparison of these two instruments::
1.Shape & Structure:
The harp is a rectangular instrument with a rectangular resonance box and the strings are pulled vertically down from the top of the resonance box. The resonance box of the ancient harp is below, and the resonance box of the modern harp is above.
The gonghou is an upright instrument with a resonance box in the shape of a lute, with strings tauted along one side of the resonance box and tuned by screws. The resonance box of the modern Konghou is pear-shaped.
2.Timbre and range:
The sound of the harp is melodious, crisp, and is often used to play soft melodies. Its vocal range is usually around four octaves.
The tone of the gonghou is more ethereal and clear, and it is usually used to play melodious melodies. Its vocal range is usually around two octaves.
3.Playing Technique:
The harp produces sound mainly by plucking the strings with fingers or plectrums.
Konghou uses the tremor technique to change the pitch. Also, the pillars of the gonghou are square, while the pillars of the harp are round.
4.History & Origins:
The harp originated in ancient Greece and Rome, and evolved through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to develop into the modern harp.
The gonghou originated in ancient China and is one of the earliest plucked musical instruments in China. It was once a special musical instrument for the nobility of the court and was known as the "Joy of Kings". During the Tang Dynasty, the gonghou reached its peak and was widely used in court, folk and religious occasions. After the Song Dynasty, the gonghou gradually declined and was replaced by other plucked instruments. Until the 70s of the 20th century, Zhang Kun, Han Qihua and others in China created a new type of double-row string goose pillar modulation gonghou according to the remains and murals of ancient Konghou, combined with the characteristics of harp, pipa, guzheng and other musical instruments.
In general, although the harp and the gonghou are both historical instruments, they differ in terms of timbre, appearance, and historical background. Each instrument has its own unique charm that deserves to be explored and appreciated.
Materials** on the Internet.