13. Traditional Japanese music is basically meditative in
character. Its performance is highly ritualized, as much in
the music itself, as in the composure of the musicians when
performing it. Japanese chamber and solo music have a
slow meditative pace.
14. The performance of Japanese musichas traditionally been of a spiritual
character, similarly to martial arts andother forms of arts such as the tea
ceremony andcalligraphy. It is usually about religious festivals, work,
dance, love, and regional songs. Audiences are looking for this self-mastery
in musicians. This is the reason why musichas become highly ritualized.
Musicians must show this spiritual self-mastery in their performance and
composure. They work on an inner strength in mastering his or her
instrument, more than simply perfecting a technique of some sort and
providing entertainment.
15. What are the different kinds of Japanese
Musical Instrument?
-Percussion Instruments
-String Instruments
16. Percussion Instruments
1. Odaiko (big drum) – the physical energy and sheer excitement of an odaiko
performance is an integral part of many Japanese matsuri (festivals).
17. 2. Tsuzumi(hourglass-shape) – there are two varieties, the smaller kotsuzumi
and lager otsuzumi. The kotsuzumi is held on the right shoulder and the
player alters the tone by squeezing the laces. The otsuzumi is place on the
right thigh.
19. 4. Taiko – is a Japanese drum that comes in various sizes and is
used to play a variety of musical genres.
20. String Instruments
1. Koto – is a 13-string zither, about two meters long and made of paulownia
wood. It is plucked using picks on the thumb and first two fingers of the right
hand can be used to modify pitch and tone.
21. 2. Shamisen – is a plucked string instrument. Its contruction follows a model
similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, employing a neck, and strings stretched
across a body.
22. 3. Biwa – is a Japanese short-necked fretted lute, often
used in narrative storytelling.
23. What did learned from our lesson for
today?
What was the different kinds of musical
instrument in Japan?
