The Shamisen: Tradition and Diversity

1. Auflage 2009
ISBN: 978-90-04-18137-3
Verlag: Brill

Buch, Englisch, 145 Seiten, Format (B × H): 221 mm x 272 mm, Gewicht: 658 g

The 'shamisen' is a traditional Japanese musical instrument. It was introduced to Japan in the mid-sixteenth century via China and the Ryûkyû Islands, and was quickly established as a culturally significant musical instrument in its new context. The instrument – a three-string lute – developed numerous styles of performance and is found as a solo and ensemble instrument in diverse social and cultural contexts. The 'shamisen' is known as an instrument of 'geisha' in the entertainment districts; it is used in 'kabuki' and 'bunraku' theatre; and also has an established place within a wide-range of performance traditions, many of which are depicted in woodblock prints and other art depicting everyday life of the Edo period.

This book, which is based on the author’s field research in Japan, is a history of the 'shamisen'. It locates the instrument within ist various social and cultural contexts, and includes accompanying illustrations (e.g., woodblock prints, photographs and illustrations) to help show visually the place of the instrument in traditional and modern Japan.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Johnson, Henry

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Kunst Kunstgeschichte
• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Ethnologie Kunstethnologie, Musikethnologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Musikwissenschaft Geschichte der Musik Nichtwestliche Musik
• Geisteswissenschaften Kunst Kunststile Asiatische Kunst