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Home : Regional : Asia : Japan : Arts and Entertainment : Traditional : Performing Arts : Music : Instruments : Shamisen
Shamisen
The shamisen is a three-stringed plucked lute. It was introduced to Japan from China during the Edo period. It is part of traditional sankyoku chamber music and is used as background music for kabuki theatre and as accompaniment to narratives and songs in bunraku puppet theatre.
The Tsugaru shamisen, a slightly larger instrument, is the staple of Tsugaru folk shamisen, an improvisational style developed in the northern region of Honshu, Japan's main island.
Sites in Shamisen
IIAS Newsletter: Tsugaru Shamisen Music
Dr. Hae-kyung Um's book review of The Birth of Tsugaru Shamisen Music.
Yasosuke, Shamisen
Master musician combining traditional and contemporary styles. Includes biography, concert schedule, audio samples, profiles of collaborators, and information about the instrument. [English/Japanese]
Hidetaro, Honjoh
Traditional and contemporary shamisen musician and composer. Includes biography, discography with audio samples, shamisen history and styles including hauta and risogaku. [English/Japanese]
Shamisen Corner
Introduction with audio sample and tunings.
The Sound of Kyoto: Yanagawa-Shamisen Music
History of shamisen music and concert dates of Shadan-hojin Kyoto Todo-kai.
Shammy's
Information about the shamisen, a stringed instrument. Includes tuning and building.
Trends in Japan: Tsugaru Shamisen
Article about renewed interest in the instrument. Includes links. |
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