Introduction to World Music; SMSU1 Chapter 5: Music of Japan

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

3  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

4 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.

5 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 realize My three children Have been watching  Ryusui In all this cool Is the moon also sleeping: There, in the pool?

6 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

7 Japanese Traditional Music  Use of pentatonic scales (In and Yo) Compare to pentatonic from earlier in the course  Timbre: use of unpitched sounds  Melody: use of ornamentation and a nasal, somewhat “pinched” sound  Harmony: not a feature of this music  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

8 Example of Shakuhachi Music  CD IV:1: “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.

9 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  Shamisen and Voice

10 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

11 Example  CD IV:2: “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

12 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 IV:3) from the region of Akita in northwestern Japan  Instrument (shamisen) plays nearly steady pulse while voice has a flexible rhythm

13 Matsuri-bayashi  Yatai (The Festival Wagon) IV:4 Shirabe, Ödaiko, and Flute

14 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

15 Examples of Enka  CD IV:5 “Nonki-bushi”  CD IV:6 “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

16 Taiko Groups  Kodo: –  San Jose Taiko: –

17 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.