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Qiu Hechou

Hong Kong-based Cantonese-music yangqin player who published Xiange bidu in 1916 and from 1920 the yangqin method Qinxue xinbian, setting out yangqin hammer technique.

Also known as Leng-jai Ying

Qiu Hechou, childhood name A Ying, was from Taishan, Guangdong. He learned Buddhist, Daoist and opera music at home and then Cantonese music under Hu Degao, specialising in the yangqin while also playing erxian, suona, gaohu and violin. Settling in Hong Kong in his twenties, he kept a small instrument shop and taught Cantonese music. His Xiange bidu (1916) is regarded as the first book on Cantonese music; the yangqin method Qinxue xinbian (1920), written for accompanists, set out hammer technique, and was followed by Qinxue jinghua (1928) and Guoyue xinsheng (1934). His pieces include Shizi gunqiu and Shuanglong xizhu. He died in Hong Kong in 1942.

Life and times

  1. 1880 CEBornQingRepublican Era
  2. 1942 CEDied

Works

  1. Stage · Pieces1
    1. Merriment in a Time of PeaceDate unknown (composer died 1942)A signature piece by the Taishan musician Qiu Hechou, known for its brevity and buoyant mood.