A symbol of Mongolian ethnicity, the horse-head fiddle has been played by Mongols for centuries. On the evening of April 15, a special concert featuring the instrument was staged at Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts. Led by horse-head fiddle master Chi Bulag, the performers are putting a new spin on the old music.
Sound from the grasslands, with the horse-head fiddle taking center stage.
This unique concert offered the audience a chance to appreciate the prairie landscape and the passionate spirit of the Mongolian people through music.
It’s also a fusion of eastern and western music, like this piano and horse-head fiddle duet.
The man who has created these fascinating pieces is Chi Bulag. He has been playing the horse-head fiddle for over half a century, and has played a key role in modernizing the ancient instrument.
Chi says his inspiration is the legendary Italian violin master Niccolo Paganini.
“In the past, the horse-head fiddle had to be readjusted every five minutes after playing, which makes it hard perform large pieces or work with other instruments. I came up with the idea to improve it by using the violin,” he said.
“I admire Paganini the most. He took violin-playing to the next level using his knowledge of the guitar. The improved bow can now play many different tunes. If I had not learned the violin, there would not be these new techniques of playing the horse-head fiddle now.”
With only two strings to play on, Chi is still able to create a number of pieces.
He’s also a pioneer of harmonizing multiple horse-head fiddles. He founded “Wild Horse”, the world’s first horse-head fiddle band in 1986.
