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

2. 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

4. Introduction to World Music; SMSU

5. Introduction to World Music; SMSU

6. Introduction to World Music; SMSU

7. Introduction to World Music; SMSU

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Gagaku ensemble

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

16. 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 , Buddhist monks (komuso - emptiness monks) created repertoire of meditative, rhythmically free pieces for shakuhachi.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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.

26. 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

27. Taiko Groups Kodo: San Jose Taiko: http://www.kodo.or.jp/frame.html

28. Gagaku Instruments
Sho (Sheng in China)

29. Gagaku Instruments
Hichiriki

30. 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.

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