Chapter 5: Music of Japan

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

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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 2 developed many of its own music traditions

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Introduction to World Music; SMSU 4

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Introduction to World Music; SMSU 5

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Introduction to World Music; SMSU 6

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Introduction to World Music; SMSU 7

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 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 8

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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. 9

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Haiku Examples  Basho, Matsuo Fallen sick on a journey, In dreams I run wildly Over a withered moor  Kato, Shusan I kill an ant and realizeMy three childrenHave been watching  Ryusui In all this coolIs the moon also sleeping:There, in the pool? 10

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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 11

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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 12

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

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Gagaku ensemble 14

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

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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. 16

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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. 17

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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 18

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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 19

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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 20

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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 21

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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 22

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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 23

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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 24

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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. 25

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Instruments of Taiko ensemble  Performance drums (Kabuki, noh, minyo) – Okedo taiko (barrel-bodied drums) QuickTimeﾪ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. – Shime taiko QuickTimeﾪ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. QuickTimeﾪ and a  Shrine drums TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. – Nagado taiko (large bodied drum) – Hirado taiko (wide bodied drum) QuickTime ﾪand a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.  Cymbals 26  Flutes

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Taiko Groups  Kodo: – http://www.kodo.or.jp/frame.html  San Jose Taiko: – http://www.taiko.org/main.html 27

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Gagaku Instruments Sho (Sheng in China) 28

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Gagaku Instruments Hichiriki 29

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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. 30

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

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