Matouqin instrument joins orchestra

The Mongolian instrument matouqin is the focus of a symphony orchestra from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Provided to China Daily

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The matouqin, or morinkhuur, aka the horse-head fiddle, is possibly the most important musical instrument of the Mongolian ethnic group, which originated from the nomadic people during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

For people of the Mongolia ethnic group, like Chagan, the matouqin represents the people. It has long been a dream of the composer to bring the beautiful and deep sound of the instrument to a wider audience.

He loved going to weddings as a child with his mother - a singer and musician.

"She would sing and perform for three days with a small band without repeating a song," recalls Chagan. "No matter what they performed, the matouqin was always part of it."

Chagan started studying Western instruments, such as the oboe and piano, but he was still recruited into the Singing and Dancing Troupe of Erdos City. Chagan says the matouqin is his favorite instrument.

"The matouqin is a magical instrument with a profound history, which deserves to be known by more people. Though it has just two strings, it can produce a wide range of sounds," Chagan says.