The Art and Sound
of the Chinese Pipa
by Vivian Liu, Pipa Performer and Instructor
The Pipa: An Icon of Chinese Musical Heritage
What is the pipa?
1
The pipa is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument with a pear-shaped body and a history of over two thousand years, long central to Chinese musical culture.
What makes the pipa unique?
2
Played vertically with a fretted fingerboard, the pipa allows rapid passages, rich ornamentation, and a wide expressive range, from percussive power to lyrical nuance.
How has the pipa evolved over time?
3
Rooted in ancient court and folk traditions, the pipa has been passed down through generations and continues to develop through modern compositions and new techniques.
How is the pipa used today?
4
Today, the pipa appears in traditional solos, chamber ensembles, and contemporary works, connecting historical heritage with modern musical expression.
Classic Pipa Solos
Representative Performances by Vivian Liu
A Moonlit Night on the Spring River
A lyrical and flowing piece portraying the quiet beauty of a moonlit river landscape, emphasizing tone color and expressive phrasing.
Ancient Melody of Yingzhou
A traditional pipa work from the classical repertoire, characterized by an elegant, contemplative mood and flexible structural interpretation.
The Hegemon-King Doffs His Armor
A heroic narrative piece portraying the rise and fall of a historical warrior, combining forceful gestures with moments of reflection.
Spring of Tian Shan
A vivid tone piece evoking the freshness and vitality of the Tian Shan mountains through bright melodies and light textures.
Contemporary Pipa Solos
Representative Performances by Vivian Liu
Song of Four Seasons
Pipa solo structured around seasonal imagery, with lyrics by Jing Zhi and music by Cheng Qing. Source: Gan Jing World.
True Aspiration
Reflective pipa solo expressing inner resolve; lyrics by Jing Zhi and music by Cheng Qing. Source: Gan Jing World.
The Spring
Spring-themed pipa solo evoking renewal and vitality; lyrics by Jing Zhi and music by Cheng Qing. Source: Gan Jing World.
The Lotus Flower No. 15
Pipa solo inspired by the symbolic purity of the lotus; lyrics by Jing Zhi and music by Cheng Qing. Source: Gan Jing World.
I am a pipa performer with over 70 recorded performances in solo, ensemble, and chamber contexts, and an instructor with nine years of teaching experience at Northern Academy of the Arts. Trained at the China Conservatory of Music and Boston University, I also serve as the advisor for Grades 11–12, supporting students in their academic and musical development.
I offer personalized private pipa lessons, in person or online through FaceTime or Google Meet.