Japanese music and musical instruments / by William P. Malm.

Author/creator Malm, William P.
Format Book
Edition1st edition.
Publication InfoTokyo, Rutland, VT : Charles E. Tuttle Co., [1959]
Description299 pages : illustrations (part color) portraits, music ; 27 cm
Subjects

Contents Prologue. The O-Matsuri -- The present and past of Japanese music. Japan's musical life ; Music and Japanese history -- Religious music. Shinto music. Mi-kagura ; Sato-kagura -- Buddhist music. Theory and practice ; Buddhist folk music and festivals -- Christian music -- Gagaku, the court music of Japan. The history of court music ; Instruments. Percussion ; Strings ; Winds -- Theory and practice -- Nohgaku, the music of the Noh drama. The history of Noh music ; The structure of a Noh play ; The ensemble. The Noh flute ; The drums ; The singing -- Biwa music. The history of Biwa music ; The instrument and the music -- The shakuhachi. The history of shakuhachi ; The instrument and the music -- Koto music. The history of the Koto ; Japanese music teaching ; The instrument and its music -- The Shamisen and its music. The instrument and its background ; The history and construction of Shamisen music. Katarimono ; Gidayu-bushi ; Utaimono ; Nagauta -- Kabuki music. The components of Kabuki music ; The texture of Kabuki music -- Folk musical arts. Folk songs ; Folk theatricals and dances -- Appendix I. A time chart of Japanese music history -- Appendix II. An outline of Japanese music notation systems -- Appendix III. Where to hear Japanese music in Tokyo.
Abstract This interesting and authoritative book includes essential facts about the various forms of Japanese music and musical instruments and their place in the overall history of Japan. This book has three main orientations: the history of Japanese music, construction of the instruments, analysis of the music itself. The book covers in a lucidly written text and a wealth of fascinating photographs and drawings the main forms of musical expression. Many readers will find the useful hints on purchasing instruments, records, and books especially valuable, and for those who wish to pursue the matter further there is a selected bibliography and a guide to Tokyo's somewhat hidden world of Japanese music. It will be found an invaluable aid to the understanding and appreciation of an important, but little-known, and fascinating aspect of Japanese culture.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 281-285) and index.
LCCN 59010411

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk ML340.M3 J4 ✔ Available Place Hold
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk ML340.M3 J4 2 ✔ Available Place Hold