A Musical Trip in Japanese Music
Japanese music has many different musical elements and qualities throughout its instruments and genres. Although Japanese music is quite popular around the world, specifically in anime, there are much more styles of music that Japan has to offer. Japanese music includes many distinctive qualities through its various unique instruments. Two of the instruments I want to discuss are the Koto and Shamisen.
Traditional Japanese Koto Music
The koto is a Japanese zither instrument with 13 strings with moveable bridges (Britannica). There are also other types of koto with 7 strings called the "kin" and 6 strings called the "yamatogoto"(Shimizu). The strings are made of silk and the body is made from paulownia wood. This instrument was played using plectrums called "tsume" on three fingers in the right hand. These players are often using this instrument by kneeling or sitting.
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Japanese Koto |
Below is a traditional Japanese song called The Cherry Blossoms by Toshiko Yonekawa that includes a Japanese Koto:
Koto's Timbre and Articulation
The Japanese Koto is unique in that has a different timbre than most other stringed instruments. It has this dark, but smooth sound to it that makes it sound special. Some people may describe the timbre as similar to a harp and a guitar. However, once you hear this instrument, you may immediately think of Japanese culture.
Due to its similar playing characteristics to a harp, the koto has similar articulation with its rhythm and volume variations. This includes articulation markings like legato, staccato, accents, and much more.
Scales, Melodies, and Arpeggios
The koto has moveable bridges that allow different tunings across the strings. This allows players to have access to different scales and chords in their songs. Therefore, the common playing style typically heard is the use of arpeggios. Most of the time, although not limited, players often arpeggiate chords to create the melody in their music. The combination of this instrument's timbre and the use of scales are what give the koto a distinctive sound.
Personal Opinion
The Japanese Shamisen
The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument with a hollow body and a fretless neck. It is played with a plectrum called "bachi" (Audio Network). The construction includes a catskin front and back with 3 strings made of silk and a curved back pegbox with side pegs (Britannica).
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Japanese Shamisen (with a plectrum) |
Below is a live performance song called Kodo by the Yoshida Brothers that includes two Shamisen performers:
Yoshida Brothers - Kodo - 2004, Japan
Shamisen's Percussion and Rhythmic Qualities
The shamisen has an interesting percussion element that is caused by the plectrum. You can hear this in the song above by the Yoshida Brothers and throughout many other examples. This sound is caused by the strong attack of the plectrum hitting the strings. Players often use this to keep the tempo or to create a rhythm to their songs. It also adds another layer of dynamics.
Timbre and Articulation
The shamisen has this banjo-like timbre with its sharp attacks and bright sounds. This instrument also has similar playing styles to a banjo or a guitar. Shamisen players often use techniques like tremolo picking, slides, accents, legato, staccato, and much more. These characteristics are what give this instrument a unique sound.
Personal Opinion
I find the sounds and playing styles used in the shamisen extremely fascinating to watch and listen to. Upon my research, I have found many performances of this instrument and it looks really fun to play it. I enjoyed all of the subtle techniques used in this instrument and this style of music. It almost makes me want to buy one!
Sources
Audio Network. “Traditional Japanese Music: Your Complete Guide | Audio Network UK.” Audio Network, 4 May 2021, www.audionetwork.com/content/the-edit/expertise/traditional-japanese-music#:~:text=Traditional%20Japanese%20music%20is%20also.
Shimizu, Akio. “KOTO | Traditional Music Degital Library.” Www.senzoku-Online.jp, www.senzoku-online.jp/TMDL/e/01-koto.html.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Koto | Musical Instrument.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019, www.britannica.com/art/koto.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Samisen | Japanese Musical Instrument.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/art/samisen.
Hi Jared,
ReplyDeleteI explored Japanese music in my innovations post! So interesting, and I feel like there is a lot of information surrounding the subject that remains either undocumented, or is just not available to us. I think your analysis of the koto’s dark and smooth sound signature. I had the pleasure of listening to some western style harp music live over break… something about the harp type instruments is so interesting to me. I feel like that’s probably due to how non-mainstream it has become as an instrument. Also, the shamisen piece you selected was so good! You mentioned being possibly interested in getting one. Do you have any musical experience that would aid you in learning the shamisen? For you, what part would be the most difficult?
Hi Jared,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about the Japanese Koto and the Shamisen. I didn't know what these instruments were before reading your blog post but I was definitely familiar with the sound. It was really interesting for me to be able to make that connection from something I had heard before to something I am learning about now.
Hi Jared! I really enjoyed your post. I love that you specifically drew attention to the Koto and the Shamisen. I hadn't heard of the Shamisen before reading your post. I appreciated how different the sounds of the two instruments are. I like how you brought up that the shamisen can add rhythm to the music by the plectrum hitting the strings.
ReplyDeleteHi Jared,
ReplyDeleteYour post is fascinating in describing and laying out the versatility of the Japanese musical instruments. I enjoyed how you explained what the Koto was and how it can produce many different tones. I had no idea that the bridge could be moved and how interesting the sounds can be made for the listener. Good job.