Japanese+Music

__ 日本語　おんがく　Japanese Music __ キース　ハダー　ジ ジョシュ　ハ

=__Traditional Instruments__= Japanese traditional instruments consist of a wide range of string, wind and percussion instruments.

=Stringed Instruments=

Koto（こと） - The koto is approximately 180cm long and has 13 strings strung over moveable bridges. At first the koto only had 5 strings, later on they chose to add 2 more strings then after that they added 5 more strings and it now has a total of 12 strings. It was introduced in the 7th and 8th century and is played on the floor.

[|Listen to the Koto]

Shamisen(しゃみせん） - The shamisen is a 3 stringed instrument that is played with a [|plectrum] called a bachi. The shamisen has no frets and is the same length as a guitar. In the 16th century the shamisen was usually made of dog or cat skin, the neck is also usually constructed of 3 to 4 pieces that fit and lock together. The strings are plucked with a large weighted plectrum which is a triangular shape. ==

[|Listen to the Shamisen]

Biwa(びわ）- The biwa is a is Japanese lute and is the chosen instrument of Benten the goddess of music, eloquence, poetry, and education in Japanese Shinto. There are more then 7 types of biwa that are characterized by the numbers of strings, sound, type of plectrum, and their use. It is also played with a plectrum. [|Listen to the Biwa]

=Drums=

Taiko(たいこ）- Taiko means “wide or great drum” and are usually played in ensembles. Taiko ensembles are groups of usually completely drum instruments but string instruments like the shamisen can be found with many different groups. Taiko are also stick percussion instruments and are played with sticks called bachi, which are straight wooden sticks. Taiko were also used in warfare to motivate troops, set a marching pace and call out orders or announcements.

media type="file" key="TAIKOINJAPAN.MOV.wmv" width="300" height="300"

Shime-Daiko(しめーだいこ）- Compared to the taiko drum the shime-daiko is much smaller. The word shime-daiko is derived from a larger word tsukeshime-daiko. The shime-daiko has a short,wide body with animal skins on both sides of the drum. The shime-daiko is also played with bachi just like the taiko drum.



=Wind Instruments=

Shakuhachi（しゃくはち）- The shakuhachi is a Japanese flute that is traditionally made of bamboo. The name shakuhachi means 1.8 shaku, referring to the flutes size. The shakuhachi was also used by the monks of the Fuke School of Zen Buddhism in the practice of //suizen// //(blowing meditation).//

//[|Listen to the Shakuhachi]//

//Horagai(ほらがい）- The horagai,(also called jinkai) are large conch shells that have been used as trumpets for centuries by the Japanese. Most shell trumpents in the world can produce one pitch but the Japanese horagai can produce 3 or 5 different notes by using a wooden or bronze mouthpiece attached to the shells spine.//

//[|Listen to the Horagai]//

=__Modern Japanese Music__= (To be filled in by Dave)

=__Powerpoint__=