Introduction to World Music; SMSU 1

Chapter 5:Music of Japan

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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 developed many of its own music traditions

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Introduction to World Music; SMSU 4

Introduction to World Music; SMSU 5

Introduction to World Music; SMSU 6

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

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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.

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Haiku Examples

Basho, MatsuoFallen sick on a journey, In dreams I run wildly Over a withered moor

Kato, ShusanI kill an ant and realizeMy three childrenHave been watching

RyusuiIn all this coolIs the moon also sleeping:There, in the pool?

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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

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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

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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.

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Gagaku ensemble

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Taiko Groups

Kodo:– http://www.kodo.or.jp/frame.html

San Jose Taiko:– http://www.taiko.org/main.html

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Gagaku Instruments

Sho (Sheng in China)

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Gagaku Instruments

Hichiriki

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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.

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Homework (Due Monday, 3/13)

Part I: Online Quiz, Chapter 5 Part II: Questions from p. 191:

– #3– #7