Music is a frequently neglected aspect of Japanese culture. This work covers various genres including court music, Buddhist chant, theatre music, as well as contemporary music and connections between music and society in different periods. It presents a balanced and provocative approach that comprehensively treats Japanese musical culture.
'An excellent companion for anyone who wants to know about Japanese music whether it is a court, religious, theatrical, folk or popular genre. It is filled with the results of current research by Japanese and Western specialists and enriched with extensive examples in notation and on audio tracks. The book opens a new era in Japanese music studies.' William P. Malm, University of Michigan, USA '... covers all periods and genres in great detail, and is much more than an overview. ... if you absorb the collected knowledge of this volume, you probably know more about the subject than the average Japanese. There are many music samples. ... an extensive bibliography (featuring enough works in western languages) is given, and an audio/videography ...The book's accompanying CD features short excerpts, including folk music.' FolkWorld 'Liberally illustrated and including a CD of examples ... includes bibliographic review of materials in Japanese and Western languages ... Recommended.' Choice '... a book for poring over, both with regard to its texts and its music examples; and it rewards reading across its various chapters. It is an articulate, forward-looking companion demanding interaction, but assuming a certain amount of self-reliance in its partner. It goes without saying that it is clearly essential for graduates in the field, and accordingly for graduate library collections; but with the considerable lean towards the survey in many of its essays, it would be well placed too in undergraduate collections supporting performing-arts orientated Asian Studies programs, and in collections supporting (ethno)musicology programs with a focus on East Asia. A most welcome new friend!' Notes 'This book is highly recommended as a research companion for anyone delving into any Japanese music research topic. The resources consulted and collected here are excellent, drawing on the tremendous wealth of Japanese sources published over the years and guiding readers to v
