Chapter 5: Music of Japan Introduction to World Music; SMSU

Japan Culture old and new, Eastern and Western Outside cultural influences include writing system from China; Buddhism from India through Korea and China Musical elements connections with Korea and China; European and American influences in 19th and 20th centuries, but Japan, somewhat isolated in the past, has developed many of its own music traditions

Introduction to World Music; SMSU

Introduction to World Music; SMSU

Introduction to World Music; SMSU

Introduction to World Music; SMSU

Although more involvement with new music in past 100 years, traditional music remains viable Kabuki and bunraku theaters in larger cities Concerts of traditional instrumental and vocal music Private and televised instruction in shakuhachi and shamisen

Haiku Traditional Japanese poetry; today, a 17-syllable verse form consisting of three metrical units of 5, 7, and 5 syllables. Words contain a sentiment, idea, or emotion, often only describing around the concept.

Haiku Examples Basho, Matsuo Kato, Shusan Ryusui Fallen sick on a journey, In dreams I run wildly Over a withered moor Kato, Shusan I kill an ant and realize My three children Have been watching Ryusui In all this cool Is the moon also sleeping: There, in the pool?

Music in Japan Musical elements from Korea and China; European and American influences from 19th century to present In art music, appreciation for unpitched sounds, flexibility of pulse; tempo often accelerates to show excitement in theater

Japanese Traditional Music Use of pentatonic scale Timbre: use of unpitched sounds Melodies differ per instrument & tradition, often made up of small repeated sections; little in the way of “harmony.” Rhythm: flexibility of pulse in many pieces Form: mostly based on jo-ha-kyu Jo: slow introduction Ha: building tempo Kyu: rushing tempo, then slowing at end

Gagaku music; Japanese; “elegant music” protected in the imperial court for more than 1,000 years, retains the style, sound, music of ancient Japan.

Gagaku ensemble

Koto, a 13-string board zither with movable bridges.

Shakuhachi Bamboo flute; four holes in the front, one hole in the back Allows for versatility in pitch and tone qualities; sometimes breathy, almost like white noise Between 1600-1857, Buddhist monks (komuso - emptiness monks) created repertoire of meditative, rhythmically free pieces for shakuhachi.

Example of Shakuhachi Music CD 1:23: “Tsuru no sugomori” or “Nesting Cranes” Performed in the kabuki theater accompanied by shamisen Ma - space or interval - the timing of a piece including rests and relationship between sound and silence.

Shamisen Three-stringed long-necked lute, producing banjo-like sound Associations with austere spirituality and meditation; outpouring of emotion and drama for the theater (such as Kabiki) Covered with snakeskin, cat skin, or dog skin; wooden box roughly square in shape

Kouta Song form that evokes many images and allusions in a short time; dates from mid-nineteenth century Women played key role in teaching this music to generations of male performers

Iemoto Guilds Several different guilds may be involved with a single type of music Player must decide which style he or she wants to learn; become affiliated with the guild that follows that style Guilds also control quality; new composition in many genres was discouraged or even forbidden

Example CD 1: 24: “Hakusen no” (“A White Fan”) Image of a white fan and the beauty of nature are used as metaphors for romantic commitment For wedding banquets or private parties Geisha still trained to entertain at such occasions, but fewer than in the past

Minyo (Folk Song) Accompanied everyday activities; not as relevant as they used to be, but still very popular; has become more professional and standardized “Nikata-bushi” (CD 1: 25) from the region of Akita in northwestern Japan Instrument (shamisen) plays nearly steady pulse while voice has a flexible rhythm

Popular Music Much Western influence; Karaoke has become popular around the world; an outlet for stress Enka composers have adapted songs to the tastes of younger generation; background accompaniment; “Upbeat” with faster tempos and optimistic lyrics

Example of Enka CD 2:1 “Naite Nagasaki” (“Crying Nagasaki”) Typical of old-fashioned enka Images evoked are common to many enka songs: romantic associations, crying in the windy night, rain; sad mood

Taiko (Drum Ensemble) CD 1:26 Relatively new tradition, stemming from Ondekoza, and Kodo. Originally professing an austere lifestyle and highly synchronized music, groups now may have gender inclusive performances and much flair in showmanship.

Instruments of Taiko ensemble Performance drums (Kabuki, noh, minyo) Okedo taiko (barrel-bodied drums) Shime taiko Shrine drums Nagado taiko (large bodied drum) Hirado taiko (wide bodied drum) Cymbals Flutes

Taiko Groups Kodo: San Jose Taiko: http://www.kodo.or.jp/frame.html http://www.taiko.org/main.html

Gagaku Instruments Sho (Sheng in China)

Gagaku Instruments Hichiriki

Summary Most Japanese music we’ve studied is traditional, but there are also many pop genres. Traditional Characteristics in rhythm, melody, timbre and form - ? Highly influenced by Chinese music, and more recently by European and American models. “Classical” and “Folk” traditions are kept alive by a few.

Homework (Due Monday, 3/13) Part I: Online Quiz, Chapter 5 Part II: Questions from p. 191: #3 #7