撞猱knocking wide vibrato
Pinyin: zhuàng náo
Vibrato and glidesA nao that incorporates the quick jab-and-return of zhuang; sources describe it differently.
How it is played
Broadly, a knock is folded into the nao: the finger jabs quickly upward and returns to the position, combined with the swings of nao. Whether it is two knocks and then nao, a nao taken only above the position, or a knock followed by a quick shake downward differs between handbooks; follow the score you are transcribing.
How it sounds
The rise and fall carries an upward jolt, more angular than an ordinary nao.
In the classical handbooks
式如兩次雙撞之意而兼猱，先大後小，堅脆爲妙。Gist: In the manner of two double knocks together with nao, large first and then small; firm and crisp is best.
撞猱則專於按處向上取音，如撞勢然，法在避卻按位下出音爲得耳。Gist: Zhuang nao takes the note only above the stopping position, in the manner of a knock; the method is to avoid sounding below the position.
Where sources disagree
How the knock and the nao are combined
- Like two double knocks in a row, together with nao, large first and then small. Source: Wuzhizhai Qinpu(opens in a new window) · View the original page
- Take the note only above the position in the manner of a knock, avoiding any sound below it. Source: Qinxue Rumen (Introduction to Qin Studies)(opens in a new window) · View the original page
- The stopping finger catches the sound, once up and once down. Source: Fengxuan Xuanpin (1539,据 silkqin 转录）(opens in a new window)
- After the note, knock once, then shake quickly below the hui; suited to slow passages. Source: Huiyan Mizhi (1647,据 silkqin 转录）(opens in a new window)
Easily confused with
- 迎猱yíng náo· meeting wide vibratoYing nao is a connected, lively to-and-fro of meeting and pressing; it is not built on the jolt of a knock.