Japanese Kabuki: Traditional Theater and Musical Characteristics

Study Notes

Japanese Theater, Kabuki

A traditional Japanese drama with singing and dancing performed in a highly stylized manner.
Combines music, dance, mime, staging, and costuming.
A major theatrical form in Japan for 4 centuries.
Originated from the word "KABUKU" meaning "To lean" or "To be out of the ordinary."
Only performed by male actors.
The term "Kabuki" is derived from "Ka" as song, "Bu" as dance, and "Ki" as skill.
Uses the pentatonic scale and accompanied by Shamisen music.
Shamisen music can be performed by one shamisen or by an entire orchestra of 20 musicians.

Chinese Theater, Peking Opera

Also known as the Beijing Opera.
Dated from the late 18th century.
Performed to an instrumental accompaniment.
Has two main styles of music, Erh-huang and His-p'l.
Utilizes the fan-pan technique.
Composed of 8 musicians sitting on stools in the far corner of the stage.
The opera begins with the ta-lo and siao-lo.

Musical Instruments

Aerophone:
- Ti-ts: A cross flute.
- Siao: Recorded flues.
- Sona: Trumpet.
Chordophone:
- Violin-like:
  - Hu-ch'in: A two-stringed violin-like instrument held upright against the knee.
  - Bu-ch'in: A graceful version of Hu-ch'in.
- Guitar-like:
  - Yue-ch'in: A four-stringed moon guitar.
  - San-sien: A three-stringed instrument.
  - Pi-p'a: Similar to lute with four strings.
Idiophone:
- Ta-lo and Siao-lo songs: Signify the beginning of the performance.
- Tan-pi-ku: Kettle drum; used to create the tempo of the performance.

Indonesian Theater Wayang Kulit

Shadow puppets with Wayang meaning to perform and kulit meaning skin.
Dalang: A source of recreation, non-jointed puppets were manipulated by the chief performer.

Vocal Instrumental Features Gamelan Ensemble

Composed mainly of bronze percussion instruments, augmented by other percussion instruments, strings, and flute.

Japanese Festivals

Taiko: A traditional Japanese drum with limitless rhythmic possibilities.
Kodo: Aims to explore its limitless rhythmic possibilities and forge new directions for a vibrant living art-form, translating from the Japanese word "Kodo" as "heartbeat."
Yuki Matsuri: A popular winter event in Hokkaido, Japan, held annually, featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions.
Cherry Blossom Festival:
- Hanami is an ancient Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossoms (sakura) and plum blossoms (ume) in parks and the countryside.
- Originating over 1,000 years ago, it involves aristocrats admiring the beauty of cherry blossoms and writing poems inspired by them.
- The most popular cherry tree is sakura, also known as somei yoshino trees or yedoensis.
- Hanami is a long-standing Japanese tradition of welcoming spring.

Description

Explore the rich history and characteristics of Kabuki, a traditional Japanese drama that combines music, dance, mime, and staging. Learn about its origins, unique features, and evolution over the centuries. Discover the art form's significance in Japanese culture.