pipa_1_bigWhat does a pipa (琵琶) sound like? It sounds like it’s spelled.

The pipa is one of the world’s few major instruments that derives its name from the sound it makes.

Its four strings are plucked with picks worn on the performer’s fingertips. Depending on which direction the string is plucked, it produces either a “pi” or a “pa” sound.

Although it is now intimately associated with Chinese music, both as a solo instrument and as part of groups and orchestras, the pipa is not native to China. The pipa originated in Persia, now Iran, where examples of it can be seen in paintings of court life.

Instruments similar to the pipa began appearing in China during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.). The one most like what’s played today, like many other goods and ideas, made its way along the Silk Road, eventually arriving in China almost 2000 years ago.

Over time, the pipa has evolved in its size, shape and design. Initial iterations had five strings, and were longer and larger than today. It may have originally been played by men, but gained favor as an instrument for women after its arrival in China. As such, it has become more slender, with a shorter neck.

Pipas are made of lightweight wood, formed into a teardrop or pear shape. The neck tapers and ends in a crook. The neck was traditionally made from ivory; however, in modern times ox horn or even plastic has replaced that rare material.

A fretboard of 16 to 30 frets extends from the body of the instrument up to almost the end of the neck. The pipa is played in a sitting position and held vertically. The right hand plucks the strings, the left hand applied to the frets.

Learning to play the pipa is considered to be particularly difficult, especially at the early stages. In ancient times pipas had strings made of silk, and were played with a plectrum, a large, triangular pick. Over time, players began using their fingernails to play instead. However, when modern pipa makers switched from silk strings to steel or wire, they became too rigid to be played only with fingernails. Players now tape hard, fingernail-like picks to each fingers, striking the strings forward or back, giving each note two distinctive sounds.

Pipa songs are often meant to create an instrumental version of classical poems, or are named for the emotions they evoke when performed. Some famous pieces include “Ospreys Playing on the Water”; “Homesick on the Northern Frontier”; and “Wind in the Pines.

Although several men are considered among today’s top pipa virtuosos, the instrument is still most closely identified with women. Perhaps the most famous pip player internationally is Wu Man. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing — where almost all of the top pip performers have trained — Wu now lives in San Diego, California. She has collaborated with diverse musical acts including the Kronos Quartet and Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. Other active performers include Min Xiaofen and Zhou Yi, both based in New York City, Lulu Liu in Sydney, Australia, and Liu Fang in Montreal, Canada.