AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
Back to Blog
Japanese stringed instruments8/9/2023 If you’re a gamer like me, then you may be familiar with them from old Nintendo Wii ads! These ensembles perform various genres, including traditional Japanese music, to more modern music, such as folk, rock, and jazz. Taiko 太鼓 is a collection of percussion instruments, ranging from small to large drums, that comprise the bulk of Japanese music‘s percussion needs. Kumi-daiko (組太鼓), or taiko ensemble, is a form of Japanese drumming featuring a group of people playing taiko drums together. Another type is the heike biwa, used to accompany the performance of The Tale of the Heike, a famous Japanese epic poem, and played with a smaller, crescent-shaped plectrum. The most common type in Japan is the gagaku biwa, which is used in gagaku performance and played with a large, triangular plectrum. There are various types of biwa, each with unique characteristics that change depending on the usage. This plucked string instrument with three strings and four to six frets first gained popularity in China before spreading throughout East Asia, eventually reaching Japan during the Nara period (710–794). The biwa (琵琶), a Japanese short-necked lute, is traditionally used in narrative storytelling. It is used in various genres, including traditional Japanese music like gagaku and enka and modern styles like J-pop and V-key. The koto is played seated, with the instrument resting on the player’s lap. Players use small plectra called tsume on their right hand to pluck the strings, while the left hand dampens them. Derived from Chinese, Mongolian, Korean, Vietnamese, Sundanese, and Kazakh instruments, it typically features 13 strings, strung over movable bridges, or frets, for tuning, with 17-string versions too. The koto (琴), Japan’s national instrument, is a 180-centimeter-long plucked zither with a wooden body made with precious Paulownia wood. We will talk about the instrument, what it is used in, and how to pronounce it! Koto (琴) Let’s talk about some of the most iconic instruments in many traditional Japanese music disciplines. This creative spirit has led to the development of unique melodies and sounds that are popular worldwide. In the 21st century, Japanese music continues to innovate and evolve, with musicians working across various genres, embracing modern instruments, and collaborating with Western music legends to produce amazing songs. In addition, western instruments and musical styles were incorporated into Japanese music, resulting in new genres and innovative compositions. This fusion created a uniquely Japanese sound, blending the best of both worlds. The 20th century marked a significant turning point for Japanese music, as it adopted Western influences and merged them with traditional elements. This period also saw the introduction of other traditional Japanese instruments and genres, such as shamisen music (三味線). Court music, such as gagaku (雅楽), Japanese folk music, and theatrical music, such as kabuki (歌舞伎), emerged during this time, each contributing to the rich musical landscape of Japan. Music From The Heian Period To The Modern Periodįrom the Heian period to the Meiji Era, music in Japan continued to evolve, diversifying into various forms and styles. These would become traditional Japanese musical instruments, shaping the country’s unique sound. In the subsequent Yayoi period (300 BCE – 250 CE), Chinese influence in Japan reached its peak, and with it came the introduction of new musical instruments, such as the koto (琴) and the biwa (琵琶). These instruments laid the foundation for the development of Japanese music. During this time, the people of Japan crafted flutes from animal bones and shells and drums from tanned animal hide. The history of Japanese music is a rich tapestry that spans thousands of years, with its earliest evidence dating back to the Jomon period (10,000 – 300 BCE). So get set, put your headphones on, and join us as we discover the names of these traditional Japanese instruments and figure out what to call a violin in Japanese! A Brief History Of Music In Japan Musical Instruments In Ancient Times For people who want to learn what’s behind the captivating mystery of Japanese music, learning which instruments are used in a song and their context will bring about the bigger picture of traditional Japanese music. Whether you’re into J-pop or are a hardcore noh theater fan, you’re going to love this list of instruments in Japanese.
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |