Gagaku

Taken from Gion Corner in Kyoto. Gagaku is the courtly music of ancient Japan, played only for the emperor and high lords. Some people enjoy this music greatly, as you can see by the comments. Unfortunately, as hard as I tried to like it, I failed. All I can say is, if this is what the emperors had to listen to, no wonder they were all so bloodthirsty and insane. It is truly the worst music I've ever heard. Add to it a guy in upholstery moving like the guy from the Ministry of Silly Walks, and you have nonstop hilarity. Yes, perhaps I'm an uncultured clod (not really, though, I DID try and enjoy it), but I guess it's just too rich for my blood.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• kyoto
• japan
• gagaku
• music
• courtly
• godawful
• dance

[33Sammi32]

Because Western music is just the be-all and end-all of "good" music. I prefer a hichiriki to a trumpet any day. When I play Gagaku, I feel passion and harmony much more than I could with any other music up to now.

People should really open their minds up a little more, there's a whole world of music out there besides Europe and America.

[UsagiVindaloo]

I have a very open mind. I adore the koto and like a lot of eastern music. And I would never suggest that Western music is the be all and end all of good music (ugh, perish the thought) The reason I dislike Gagaku is because it's discordant and unmelodic, not because it's Eastern. For example, that strange nasal flute sound is very difficult to listen to as it's so piercing to the ear.

[UsagiVindaloo]

And I do agree with you that people should open their minds up more. There's a whole world of wonderful music out there. Unfortunately, I was not able to consider this part of that "wonderful music" as it just really feels discordant and cacophonic (is that a word? XD). Good for you that you enjoy it... perhaps you can help me find the melodiousness in it?

[Chichiri520]

I'd said that it takes an acquired ear to enjoy this, just like it takes an acquired taste to enjoy certain foods. If one likes it, thats good. If one doesnt like it, thats okay, no harm done.

[Chichiri520]

My what lies. The origins of Gagaku are traced back to China. Look at the instruments that are used such as the Sho, it comes from the Chinese sheng. It then spread to Korea, then Japan. So if we are talking about "imitation", Korea is just as guilty.

[Chichiri520]

Wonderful music and video! Your description was funny! If you didnt like it, you didnt like it..thats okay. At least it made you feel something and that is the point in the arts. Though I dont understand what you mean by making emperors bloodthirsty, I find this quite relaxing.

Back in the good old days, this music was THE thing to listen to.

Apparently, this form of music preserves elements of Chinese influence that no longer exist in China. A similar form of "Gagaku" exists in Korea as well.

[lessdone]

What is it called in Korean and is it still performed there? I had thought this may have originated in China and found its way to Japan after a time.

[shamanorak]

oh yes! i've heard more pleasant sounds from cats in a blender!! lol

[Trent1Liven]

I love this! It is very beutifull!

[Momotaro88]

Mh...I dunno why they keep on performing Ranryoo in Gion Corner

its not the easiest Gagaku piece to listen to if you're not used to it

prolly wanted to play some Bugaku just to show "action" on stage.

They should play stuff like Seigaiha or Konju to first-time-listeners and not try to scare them off with "advanced" stuff...

if performed in the right context...say...under flowering cherries or on the open-air-stage of some temple with bonfires at night, the music suddenly "fits"

[KingStar1984]

Ministry of Silly Walks hahahaha

[JudderMan25]

Love it.

[Miyagi900]

I'm so sorry Hstk78!

I wrote to Mommom812.