“Katoubushi Shamisen, Yamabiko Senko”
Stylish Edo style music
- DATA
- Kokyokukai Foundation
2nd Fl. Geinokadensha 6-12-30 Nishi-Shinjuku Shinjuku Tokyo
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Kamigata Music and Edo MusicKatoubushi is a leading school of Edo Joururi, which is recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Japan as a group. It was established in 1717 by the founder, known by the name Masumi Kato, who had served as an apprentice under Edo Handayu, said to be the founder of Handayu bushi. The strong sound of the stylish narration captivated the hearts of the Edo people. |
Edo Joururi Expressed by High PitchThe musical scale is expressed by something called “Kan” and “Otsu”. “Kan” are the high pitch sounds and “Otsu” the low pitch. The Kamigata region places importance on the Otsu pitch and that is where the Japanese expression “It is Otsu (It is fine)” is derived. However Edo music used a lot of high pitch notes. This was a new trend of music created in the fields of Musashino. There was a great influx of people, and people had to use high pitch for the sound to be heard.” Takeuchi from the Kokyokukai Foundation explained. |
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Delicate MovementsWe asked Yamabiko about ”tuning”. The strings are tightened or loosened before a performance. We witnessed Yamabiko doing this.
“The strings are silk, so the pitch is affected with the slightest change in environment, such as the stage light hitting them. Sometimes it loosens on stage, so we need to tune it.” she explained. If the adjustment can’t be done while on stage, she changes the positioning of her fingers on the strings. ”Shamisen” requires delicacy of the ears as well as the fingertips. Nakata also experienced for himself how difficult this can be. |