Ecomusicology of Qinpai Erhu in the Guanzhong Region of Shaanxi

Ecomusicology constitutes an interdisciplinary field that applies ethnomusicological and anthropological perspectives to the study of music and sound as they intersect with human social and cultural practices and their relations with the natural environment. Qin pai erhu—commonly referred to as “Shaanxi erhu”—represents a distinctive regional school characterized by specialized performance techniques and stylistic features derived from Shaanxi’s indigenous musical idioms, including northern folk songs and Guan Zhong opera. This study offers a investigation of Shaanxi erhu performance practice by examining the ecological and environmental influences of the Guan Zhong region, with particular reference to the exemplar work “Qin Qiang Opera Theme Capriccio”. Through musical analysis and contextual interpretation, we demonstrate how regional environmental factors have shaped both the sonic aesthetics and technical adaptations of Qin pai erhu. The findings hold pedagogical implications for erhu instruction and contribute to heightened environmental awareness within musical scholarship. Moreover, this research provides a comprehensive reference framework for future scholars and performers seeking to engage with the Qin pai erhu tradition.