Hello all, and welcome to my musical evolution post!
Piece #1: 16th century- (By Tsukushi-goto) Kyushu, Japan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpqj1rE21B0
Piece #2: 18th century- (By Kengyo Yamada) Edo, Japan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y35Czy4ZLlA
The koto is a traditional Japanese harp that creates a silky and peaceful sound that can either be cheerful or relaxed. The koto was developed in Japan during the Muromachi period (13th century) through Chinese influence. I plan to focus our conversation on the evolution of the koto between the 16th and 18th centuries, the beginning and middle of koto history. Koto’s are 13-stringed instruments with movable bridges to adjust the the silk strings. The first koto school was founded by Tsukushi-goto on the island of Kyushu in Japan. The island was known as a place where criminals and refugees alike were exiled. Goto pioneered a style of Japanese court music called kumiuta, a type of koto music that often included accompaniment by another 3-stringed instrument called the Samisen.
Despite the area of its origin, this type of koto music was actually considered more conservative and proper compared to the style that followed. Popular, or as my source called it “vulgar” koto mirrored the blue-collar lives of Japanese during the Edo period (roughly 1603-1867). This iteration of the genre was dominated by Ikuta Kengyo. Ikuta koto music was not only a different style of music, but also a slightly different instrument. The instrument became slightly longer and narrower, producing a different tone when compared to that of the original instrument.
Melody
The characteristics of 16th century koto music melodies versus those of the 18th century are not too distinguished from each other, however music of the kumiuta variant (16th century) is known for being accompanied exclusively by the aforementioned samisen. Unfortunately the only verified 16th century piece I could find lacks any accompaniment in the melody, although it illustrates the contrast between the styles well. You can clearly hear the combination of lyrics, koto, and shakuhachi within the melody of the Kengyo Yamada song (18th century) . Shakuhachi is a type of traditional Japanese flute, commonly played alongside the koto. Koto melodies of the 18th century were known as sankyoku or “music for 3”, the 3 pieces being lyrics, koto, and flute. The common beat length for 18th century koto is 104, and to me it sounds as if the 16th century piece is slower than that.
Tone
Right away despite the added accompaniment in the second piece, you can identify the difference in tone between the 2 time periods. As a disclaimer I am not sure if the recording quality is different, and/ or if the actual instrumentation being used is period appropriate but based on the descriptions in my research they are. Both pieces share that soft, soothing harp-like character, but the 16th century Tsukushi-goto piece is much more soft and boomy in comparison. The 16th century piece almost reminds me more of a piano, whereas the 18th century piece I could compare the twanginess to that of a banjo. This is most likely due to the evolution of the shape and size of common koto’s as time passed. Like I said earlier the 18th century koto was long and narrow in comparison to the traditional chamber music variant. I’d like to add that since these time periods, other types of koto have been developed. Most notably is the 17-stringed bass koto coined by Ikuta student Miyagi Michio in the late 1800s.
My personal aesthetic reaction to the transformation is certainly in favor of the 18th century evolution of koto music. I really think that the “music of 3” concept adds that extra depth to this genre. However, out of these two pieces I think I like the deeper tone of the original koto (16th century) to that of the “newer” (18th century) piece. If I could mesh the 2 together that would be perfect! I’ve actually had the pleasure of listening to koto music live in the Chinese Botanical Gardens in Portland… and while those pieces were unaccompanied by any lyrics or instrument
s, the sound was amazing. I realize that this writeup focus’ on the Japanese koto, but a similar concept. The way the sound rolled across the water of the gardens was magical, and I will be going back to listen again.
Sources:
“Shakuhachi.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/art/shakuhachi.
“Koto Music.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/art/Japanese-music/Koto-music.
Loved the songs. I thought the 16th century ones were my favorite. I liked the focus on the instrument. I think I found a koto song that is based on the 16th century that has an accompaniment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXvopa2MNPg It is called mountain pass. I couldn't find anyone confirming the date its is supposed to be based on. Was there a difference in dynamics? I noticed in the second song around 13 minutes the dynamics on the Koto change and it is played a lot louder. Its a fun part because the Koto is also doing a solo. I really like that this is short and to the point. Great article.
ReplyDeleteNice choice of the instrument! I like how you described the Koto as "silky, peaceful, cheerful or relaxed." I have always been fascinated by the Koto, but I didn't know much about it before. This blog post made me learn so much about its history, sounds, and construction!
ReplyDeleteAlso, it looks like you have all of the required elements in this assignment so great job! I wanted to add to the two pieces you provided at the top. I found it interesting that both of the songs don't have a clear form/structure to them.
I found this interesting article about the Koto:
https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/koto/koto01.html
I love how you did your post on the Koto! I had never read much about this particular instrument, so this post was very interesting to me. I liked how you pointed out that the instrument itself changed over time resulting in a different sound.
ReplyDeleteI love the Koto! The simple calming noises the instrument makes inspires me to actually learn how to play it. Like you said, it totally reminds me of a harp. The evolution of the instrument wasn't huge mainly for the fact the instrument didn't change much itself. The harp and Koto provide would seem the same but actually sound completely different.
ReplyDelete