Japan's Musical Tradition

Hogaku from Prehistory to the Present

Miyuki Yoshikami

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English

McFarland & Co Inc
30 November 2019

Music; History; Ethnic studies; Bargains

"What makes Japanese music sound Japanese? Each genre of Japan's pre-Western music (hogaku) morphed from the preceding one with singing at its foundation. In ancient Shinto prayers, words of power recited in a prescribed cadence communicated veneration and community needs to the divine spirit (kami). From the prayers, Japan's word-based music gained support with simple percussion and stringed instruments. More sophisticated recitations evolved with biwa, shamisen, and koto accompaniment.

This study reveals shortcomings in the usual interpretation of Japanese music from a pitch-based Western perspective and carefully explores how the quintessential musical elements of singing, instrumental accompaniment, scale, and format were transmitted from their Shinto inception through all of Japan's music. Japan's culture, including the iemoto system and teaching methods, served to exactly replicate Japan's music for centuries. Considering Japan's music in the context of its own culture, logic, and sources is essential to gaining a clear understanding of Japan's music and dissipating the mystery of the music's ""Japaneseness."" Greater appreciation for the music inevitably follows."

By: Miyuki Yoshikami
Imprint: McFarland & Co Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 8mm
ISBN: 9781476675596
ISBN 10: 1476675597
Pages: 152
Publication Date: 30 November 2019
Recommended Age: From 18 years
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Miyuki Yoshikami taught Honors courses on the Japanese performing arts at the University of Maryland. She performs professionally on the koto at the Kennedy Center, Freer Gallery, the National Cathedral, and with the National Symphony Orchestra. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland.