Unit 3: Music from China and Unit 3: Music from China and JapanJapan

Traditional Japanese Theater:

Noh, Bunraku, Kabuki

Similar Characteristics-Similar Characteristics-Men play all roles (including female

parts)Full-day experience (“Escape”) Extravagant costumes, symbolic art. Music is imperative to the atmosphere:

◦Chanters (singers/narrators) and traditional instruments

Stage set-up: bridge-like passageways.(For Kabuki and Noh)

NohNohOldest of the three – 14th centurySame control, strictness, and

philosophy that we see in Zen or even martial arts

Emphasis on tradition, not innovationParts of the performance include

◦Shite/Waki (main chatracters, “foils” of each other)

◦ Kyōgen (perform interludes)◦ Hayashi (instrument performers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ModfyW8wDvo

BunrakBunrakuuTraditional puppet theater

No strings, large puppets with multiple people operating

Parts of the performance include: ◦ Ningyōtsukai or Ningyōzukai (puppeteers)◦ Tayū (the chanters)◦ Shamisen players (traditional instrument)◦ Sometimes, taiko drums are included

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV938f46Wpg

KabukiKabukiStill very popular – most

popular of the three traditional theater styles

Easily identified by unique stage make-up

Gained popularity all over world◦Touring groups go to

Europe and America◦Attempts to merge

Shakespeare and Kabuki, etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67-bgSFJiKc

Project Introduction –Project Introduction –Drawing Songs!Drawing Songs!

Ekaki Uta: Children’s game song, lyrics describe things to draw, eventually a full picture is formed!

Traditional, pentatonic melodies and simple pictures◦Yama Ga Atte (Once There Was a

Mountain)◦Mimizu Ga Sanbiki (Three Little Worms)

Similar ideas used for modern entertainment http://www.youtube.com/watch?

NR=1&v=FiWfBoISq-M