Gagaku Music of Japan
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Gagaku is a fusion of Japanese singing styles, dances, and rituals dating back to the 10th century. It has been passed down through generations by the Imperial Family. Gagaku has three performance forms: Kangen (Instrumental, Kayo (songs and chanted poetry) and Bugaku (dances and music). Wind instruments include the Wagon, Kagura-bue, Sho, Hichiriki, and fue, along with the so and biwa as string instruments. The percussion instruments are the kakko, taiko, shoko, and san-no-tsuzumi. Gagaku is performed at court functions of the Imperial family, state dinners, and at the biannual Gagaku recital.
Classroom Implementation
Gagaku drums are almost always painted with bright colors and traditional Japanese symbols like the dragon and the lotus flower. Show the class the above video, then briefly look at images of Gagaku percussion instruments. Then, give students the choice between a dragon or a lotus. Have students color their picture and then cut it out. Finally, give them each a round "drum" template to glue their creation onto. Allow them to display their "drums" in the classroom.
Photos from: www.dragoart.com
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