Exploring the Potential of Gagaku Instruments as Melodic Instruments

~Rediscovering Gagaku instruments along the lineage of traditional Japanese music~.

Looking back on the history of music in Japan, it is clear that there has been a constant struggle between "tradition" and "innovation. Gagaku was established in the Heian period (794-1185), and new music such as Noh, hogaku, and minyo (folk songs) continued to develop through the samurai period (794-1185). However, Gagaku itself, while maintaining its prestige as court music, has been handed down as "unchanging" without being much affected by the changes of the times.

However, are the instruments used in Gagaku - the dragon flute, Hichichiriki, and Sho - really "unchanging" instruments?
When we unravel the history of music, we find that the potential of these instruments as melodic instruments has been utilized in various musical genres since ancient times.
Here, we will explore the possibilities of the gagaku instrument as a melody instrument while following the lineage of traditional Japanese music.

(1) Ryuteki (dragon flute): Connection with Japanese "Yokobue" culture

～The lineage of Japanese melody instruments from Gagaku to Noh flute and shinobue.

The ryubue is a very important melody instrument in gagaku, which is treated as "the cry of the dragon that connects heaven and earth. However, considering the history of the yokobue in Japan, it is clear that the yokobue was not unique to Gagaku, and that the culture of the yokobue has been inherited in other types of music as well.

The Development of the Ryubue and Japanese Yokobue Culture

The Noh Kan in Nohgaku
In the Muromachi period (1333-1573), the Nohkan, which developed from the ryubue, appeared and began to play a role as a "dramatic sound effect" in Noh plays. The Noh-kan was louder than the dragon flute and had a unique overtone range, and unlike the static sounds of Gagaku, it came to play a role as dynamic theater music.
Shinobue in Folk Music and Festival Music
In the Edo period (1603-1867), the shinobue became widespread in folk music and became an essential instrument for festival music and folk songs throughout Japan. This was the result of its evolution away from the Gagaku form of music and toward music more closely related to the lives of the common people.


Possibilities of the dragon flute as a melody instrument

Fusion with Other Genres of Traditional Japanese Music
For example, an ensemble combining the dragon flute and shinobue, or attempting to fuse the flute with the musical accompaniment of Noh plays, could lead to the development of the Japanese transverse flute culture as a whole.
Possibility of Improvisation
Improvised performances are rarely seen in Gagaku today, but incorporating Noh flute and shinobue techniques could lead to new ways of expression.

Hichiriki: Japanese oboe that produces "weeping melody".

～The richness of the Hichichiriki's melodic expression is not limited to Gagaku.

The Hichiriki is the instrument in charge of the main melody in Gagaku (the ancient Japanese court music), and is characterized by its unique tone produced by its short wind body and double reeds. Its powerful yet melancholy tone is truly worthy of being called a "weeping melody instrument.

The Hichichiriki's musical historical genealogy

The origin of the Hichiriki is the Chinese "Kanshi
The Hichiriki has its roots in the Chinese "Guanzi", which was introduced to Japan in the Nara period (710-794).
Examples of use outside of Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music)
Since the modern era, the Hichiriki has been used more and more outside the framework of Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music). For example, there have been solo works of Hichiriki by modern Japanese composers, and jazz and improvisation performances using Hichiriki.

The possibilities of Hichiriki as a melody instrument

Fusion with folk music
The sound of Hichiriki has affinity with folk music such as the "Ryukyu Flute" of Okinawa and the Tsugaru Shamisen, and new collaborations can be expected.
Use of Hichiriki in film music and dramatic accompaniment
The sound of the Hichiriki is already used in some film music, but if it is used more actively, it will be possible to create a unique Japanese musical expression.

3) Sho: Harmony in Silence

~ How can "Gagaku's harmonic instruments" become melodic instruments? ~ "Gagaku" is a Japanese traditional music of the ancient Japanese court music.

The sho is a harmonic instrument of gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) that plays chords, but in fact it can also play melodies on its own. In particular, its tone, which has been called "the sound of light pouring down from the heavens," is expressive enough to be used as a melody.

Historical background of sho

The sho has its roots in the Chinese "sheng," and developed in its own unique way after coming to Japan.
Since the Meiji era (1868-1912), it has been influenced by Western music, but has maintained its own traditions.


The potential of the sho as a melody instrument

Performance as a solo instrument
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of solo performances of the sho, and opportunities for its use in contexts other than Gagaku have been increasing.

Fusion with contemporary music and ambient music
The overtone component of the sho has a high affinity with minimal music and ambient music, and is expected to expand into new musical genres.

Conclusion: The potential of Gagaku as a melody instrument is wide!

Historically, gagaku instruments have never been static, but have been passed down through the ages, changing with each era.
Now, by utilizing gagaku instruments as melody instruments, new musical possibilities are expanding.

Ryubue (dragon flute): Possibility of improvisation by fusing with Nohkan and Shinobue (bamboo flute).
Hichichiriki → "Weeping melody instrument", applicable to film music and jazz
Sho: New expression through fusion with ambient and post-classical music.

Isn't it interesting to explore the new possibilities of Gagaku instruments while unraveling the history of Japanese music?