The History and Types of Music

There are two types in traditional Japanese music: art music and folk music.  Art music has several different styles, each of which was established separately in different periods of Japanese history.  The Japanese have maintained traditional styles, modifying them as time has passed.  In general, vocal music plays a more important role than instrumental music in the history of Japanese music.  Traditional Japanese music often developed as part of a drama such as Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku.  Gagaku was the music performed at court and is orchestral music without any vocal part.  A great number of folk songs exist in different provinces in Japan.  Most of these songs were originally linked with religious events or daily labour.

Shamisen- Resembles a guitar, it has a long thin neck and a small rectangular body covered with skin.  It has 3 strings and the pitch is adjusted by turning the tuning pegs on the head.

Shakuhachi- A flute made of bamboo.  There are 4 holes in the front and 1 in the back.

Koto- A large wooden instrument with 13 strings and is played with picks.

Taiko Drums- Traditional large drum.

I have listened to a song called Makura which has a traditional drum beat with strong vocals, in Japanese of course!  This song made me feel jolly.  The instruments used were drums and vocals.

To listen to the music click here

Japanese 007- A modern theme using traditional instruments.

Nikata Bushi- An example of the Shamisen.