Chapter 5: Music of JapanJapanSlide 3HaikuHaiku ExamplesMusic in JapanJapanese Traditional MusicExample of Shakuhachi MusicKoutaIemoto GuildsExampleMinyo (Folk Song)Matsuri-bayashiPopular MusicExamples of EnkaTaiko GroupsSummaryIntroduction to World Music; SMSU 1Chapter 5:Music of Japan2Japan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 traditions3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 shamisen4Haiku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.5Haiku 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?6Music 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 theater7Japanese 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 end8Example 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.9Kouta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 Voice10Iemoto 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 forbidden11Example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 past12Minyo (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 rhythm13Matsuri-bayashiYatai (The Festival Wagon) IV:4Shirabe, Ödaiko, and Flute14Popular 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 lyrics15Examples 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 mood16Taiko GroupsKodo:–http://www.kodo.or.jp/frame.htmlSan Jose Taiko:–http://www.taiko.org/main.html17Summary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