Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which instrument in the Sankyoku ensemble is described as resembling a dragon?
Which instrument in the Sankyoku ensemble is described as resembling a dragon?
- Shamisen
- Biwa
- Kokyu
- Koto (correct)
How many strings does the koto have?
How many strings does the koto have?
- 7
- 13 (correct)
- 3
- 17
What is the bachi used for when playing the shamisen?
What is the bachi used for when playing the shamisen?
- Bowing the strings
- Tuning the strings
- Supporting the instrument
- Plucking the strings (correct)
Which material is NOT commonly used in the construction of the kokyu?
Which material is NOT commonly used in the construction of the kokyu?
How is the koto tuned?
How is the koto tuned?
Flashcards
Sankyoku Ensemble
Sankyoku Ensemble
A popular 17th-century Japanese trio of instruments: koto, shamisen, kokyu.
Koto
Koto
A koto is a 13-string instrument resembling a dragon, played by kneeling.
Shamisen
Shamisen
A three-stringed instrument similar to a banjo, played with a plectrum.
Kokyu
Kokyu
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Koto Tuning
Koto Tuning
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Study Notes
Sankyoku Ensemble
- A group of three musical instruments popular in 17th-century Japan
- Includes the koto, shamisen, and kokyu
- Musicians sang while playing
Koto
- Resembles a dragon, player kneels near the head
- Made of coconut or japonica wood
- Has 13 strings tuned by movable bridges
Shamisen
- Three-stringed instrument played by plucking with a small plectrum (bachi)
- Made of hollow wood
Kokyu
- Similar to shamisen, played with a bow
- Slightly smaller than the shamisen
- Has three strings
- Replaced by shakuhachi in the 19th century
Tuning the Koto
- 13 strings with movable bridges
- Bridge position changes the tuning of the strings
- Allows the koto to be played in many different musical styles
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