Stage debut at 8”The hayashikata of Noh are seated within view of the audience, so we always have to be careful.” These were the words of Nohgaku Hayashi Ohzutsumikata, Tadao Kamei. His father was the Kadono-ryu expert, Toshio Kamei and he was taught this artform that has continued from the Edo period since he was 5. |
Collaborating to create the performanceKamei specializes in ohzutsumi in the Nohgaku hayashi. Just like his father, he was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Asset holder in 2002. ”Ohzutsumi is a lot of hard work,” he told us. As mentioned earlier, hayashikata of Nohgaku sits in view of the audience, so even a slight change in expression is visible to the audience. Just as the shitekata dances and the Noh chorus sings with a low tremor, Ohzutsumikata also need to convey the music with their entire body. ”Tsutsumi is so simple, it is a rudimentary sound. You go on stage and somehow create a sound that links the scenes with just the sound produced by the tsutsumi.” Kamei told us. Unless the kozutsumi, ohzutsumi, taiko, jiyou, and the performers all harmonize, the world of Noh will not be complete. Taiko has another role to signal hayashikata. It plays an important role in creating this unique world of Nohgaku. |
Playing the Basic ”Sanji”We observed the practice. Kamei acts as the instructor, taking on the singing and the kozutsumi, while his son Hirotada Kamei strikes the ohzutsumi. The call ”Yo” and the sound of the ohzutsumi vibrates in perfect timing with Kamei’s song. |
Movements with EleganceOnce you’re able to produce good sound, then you need to pay attention to ”how you look”. ”How you appear and present yourself is important too.” Additional advice was given. |
ACCESS
- Tadao Kamei Nohgaku Kadono-ryu Ohtsuzumikata
- Shinjuku Tokyo