Liu Tianhua Liu Tianhua

Liu Tianhua (simplified Chinese: 刘天华; traditional Chinese: 劉天華; pinyin: Liú Tiānhuá; Wade–Giles: Liu T'ien-hua; 1895–1932) was a Chinese musician and composer best known for his innovative work for the erhu (Chinese two-string fiddle).

Liu's students, such as Jiang Fengzhi and Chen Zhenduo, continued to contribute to the development of the erhu.

He was the younger brother of the poet Liu Bannong.

Compositions

Title in pinyin (Chinese characters) year (translation of title)

Erhu

• Bìng Zhōng Yín (病中吟) 1918 (recitation of ill-being; Soliloquy of a Convalescent)
• Yuè Yè (月夜) 1924 (moon night)
• Kǔmèn zhī Ōu (苦闷之讴) 1926 (song of melancholy)
• Bēi Gē (悲歌) 1927 (song of lament)
• Liáng Xiāo (良宵) 1928 (beautiful evening)
• Xián Jū Yín (闲居吟) 1928 (recitation of leisure)
• Kōng Shān Niǎo Yǔ (空山鸟语) 1928 (bird song in a desolate mountain)
• Guāngmíng Xíng (光明行) 1931 (towards brightness)
• Dú Xián Cāo (独弦操) 1932 (Étude on a single string)
• Zhú Yĭng Yáo Hóng (烛影摇红) 1932 (shadows of candles, flickering red)
• Studies for Erhu No 1 - 47

Pipa

• Gē Wǔ Yǐn (歌舞引) (Dance Prelude)
• Gǎi Jìn Cāo (改進操) (Improved Étude)
• Xū Lài (虛籟) 1929 (Sound of Emptiness)