What Is Imperial Erhu?
A “virtual instrument” is a system that lets composers working on films, games, dramas, and anime perform using real instrument sounds directly on a computer. With this library installed, my erhu sound can be reproduced — meaning music can be created with my erhu even when I’m not in the room. In short, this library is the erhu itself for creators around the world. It carries the possibility of being used in Hollywood films, Netflix productions, game titles, and perhaps even Grammy-level productions. Auddict introduces my involvement on the product page, describing my performance as the foundation of the library — including named traditional techniques and a hybrid legato technique that emerged directly from ideas developed during the recording session itself, later adopted as a product feature. Being recognized not simply as “an erhu player,” but as an individual artist behind the instrument, technique, tone, recording endurance, responsiveness, and international presence, means a great deal to me. Having my work described in terms like “cinematic,” “human voice,” and “emotion” feels like everything I’ve built over the years being recognized.Over 13,000 Sounds, Two Days, More Than 10 Hours of Recording
Imperial Erhu contains over 13,000 individual sounds that I performed. The recording took place over two days, more than 10 hours in total. Recording that enormous number of sounds one by one, through pain in my arms and wrists, was honestly harder than I ever expected. Still — now that it has been released to the world like this, I am truly, deeply happy.Thank You to Kazuhiro Nishino of Koshundo and Tomonori Adachi
This project would not have been possible without Kazuhiro Nishino of Koshundo (光舜堂), who has believed in me for many years and has continued to provide and adjust my erhu free of charge. And this demanding recording session would never have come together without the cooperation of my music colleague, Tomonori Adachi. I am deeply grateful to both of them.The Erhu, and Standing as Haruyo Kimura
The erhu is a Chinese instrument. But I am Japanese. I have continued to send this instrument out freely — as one instrument, as one means of expression — into many different places, even while conscious of walking an unconventional path. Seeing the sound I’ve built up over the years cross borders and be discovered by the world like this is a major milestone for me. In films, in games, in dramas — in the stories of people I’ve never met — I want this sound to resonate more freely and more widely. I would be genuinely happy if creators around the world choose to use it. I’ll keep playing my own sound, and keep walking my own path. Thank you for your continued support. ▶ Imperial Erhu official page (Auddict) #ImperialErhu #Auddict #Erhu #二胡 #FilmMusic #GameMusic #SoundtrackBooking & press: Haruyo’s Electronic Press Kit — bio, videos, highlights and photos — is available at kimuraharuyo.com/epk.
