A Comparative Study of Major Musical Instruments

Between China and the West

Part I:

V.S. Guitar
Guitar

Image

Similarities

The similarities between these two instruments are that they are both string
instruments. They also have a similar design but they are also different in many
ways.

Differences

1.The Pipa has only four strings.

2. A pipa is 40 inches long.
3.The Pipa can be traced back to
from 2,000 years ago.

1. Most
guitars
have
6
strings(can range from 4-18 strings.
2. More than 5 types of
guitars.
3. Can be traced back to the
15th century in Malaga, Spain.

Provide
a
link for its
most
famous
piece, with
a
brief
description
and
your
comments

1.Link:https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=7dkw94947S8

1.Link:http://classicalguitar101.org/bestclassical-guitar-songs.html#.VhM3bxNViko

2. Description:Chinese
Instruments - The Pipa

Musical 2. Description:Recuerdos de la Alhambra Francisco Tarrega

3. comments: The music piece 3. comments: The music piece was quick,
was very tranquil, and beautiful.
calm, and classical.

Conclusion:
1.These are similar instruments but they are different because the Guitar has 6 strings and a

Pipa has four strings.

2. They both acquire a similar design, as to which they look like they are both related
instruments.
3. There are only a few types of Pipas, while, there are more than 5 types of guitars.
Part II:

V.S.

Flute
Flute

Image

Similarities

1.They have a similar structure as to how they were built.

2. They have quite similar sound.
3.They are used for events like Orchestras.

Differences

1.Made of Bamboo.
1.Made of brass.
2.Can be traced back from the 2.Can be traced back from 43,000 to
Neolithic Age.
35,000 years ago.
3.Has five-eight holes.
3.Has six holes.

Provide
a
link for its
most
famous
piece, with
a
brief
description
and
your
comments

1.Link:https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=-5qhNRmMilI

1.Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=9i2dbxC5GHs

2. Description:Beautiful Chinese 2. Description:Karin Leitner plays "Titanic"

Music - Bamboo Flute
at the Vienna Filmball for Kevin Spacey
3. comments: Makes you imagine 3. comments:The music piece is beautiful
you are in paradise having the and calm.
best days of your life.

Conclusion:
1. Both instruments have a similar design but are made using different materials.
2. The Chinese flute is made out of bamboo, while the flute is made out of brass.

3. Both flutes provide a piece in which you imagine you're there.

Part III:

V.S. Piano

Piano

Image

Similarities

1.The are both instruments in which have a rectangular design.

2.They are both instruments you can't hold with your hands and play.
3.They are instruments in which you stretch your hand across and across to
reach the key.

Differences

1.The
Zheng
is
a
string
instrument.
2.The zheng comes only in a
wood version.
3.Has around twenty-one strings.

1.The piano consist in keys, not strings.

2. The piano can come in many versions.
3.The piano can be made from plastic to
wood.

Provide
a
link for its
most
famous
piece, with
a
brief
description
and
your
comments

1.Link:https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=ujzMHLac404
2. Description:Guzheng: "Spring
River Flower Moon Night"
-

1.Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=jgpJVI3tDbY
2. Description:Piano Sonata No. 14
"Moonlight Sonata" - Beethoven
3. comments:Sounded calm,and like you
wanted to fall asleep.

3. comments: Not very interesting,

sounded boring.

Conclusion:
1.Both instruments have a rectangular shape in which they cannot be played without them on a
plane surface.

2. The Piano can come in many different forms like in a keyboard.

3. The Piano uses keys, while on the other hand, the Zheng uses strings.

Part IV:

V.S. Violin
Violin

Image

Similarities

1.They are both string instruments.

2.They are made out of wood.
3.Both of them have a bow in which they use to play with.

Differences

1.The Erhu has a thinner shape.

1.The violin consist in having more wood.
2.Has been around for thousands 2.Looks fancier.
of years.
3.Has four strings.
3.Originated in a minority in the
northern part of ancient China, then
called " haegeum.

Provide
a
link for its
most
famous
piece, with
a
brief
description
and
your
comments

1.Link:https://www.youtube.com/w
atch?v=dvECs4WOscU
2. Description:Ma Xiao Hui ,the
most famous erhuist in the world

1.Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=gTEn6SRVAE4
2. Description:Sonata in F "for beginners",
K547

3. comments:The music songs jolly and

3. comments:The music piece happy.
was calm and beautiful.

Conclusion:
1. Both of the instruments are wood instruments.

2. The violin has four strings, while the Erhu has two strings.
3. The Erhu is thinner, while the Violin is bigger, but fancier.