In its concert Celebrating with All-time Favourites I (December 16-17), the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will be testing out three 'improved' gaohu (a Chinese bowed-string instrument similar to the erhu, but with a higher pitch) made of a new material. Why?
HKCO's research development officer (musical instruments) Yuen Shi-chun says:
'The new gaohu is similar to the conventional gaohu that is stretched with python skin, or synthetic snake skin, in terms of specifications, structure, mode of performance and timbre. The difference lies in the soundbox, which is covered with a 'PET' polyester membrane as a substitute for the python skin.
'The use of a synthetic material brings about a uniformity and an enlargement of vibrations ... and it produces a clearer, brighter sound.
'... it has lost some of the unique tone colours that can be found in the conventional gaohu ... However, in tutti performance, this quality makes it possible for the uniformity of the instruments to be put under effective control, and allows the gaohu group to integrate well with the other families of orchestra instruments. The synthetic material also prevents problems caused by humidity, and the cracks to which skins are susceptible.'