The Shamisen: tradition and diversity

‘The shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument. It was introducedto 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 socialand 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 lifeof the Edo period.This book, which is based on the author’s field research inJapan, is a history of the shamisen. It locates the instrument within its various social and cultural contexts, and includes accompanying illustrations (e.g., woodblock prints, photographs and illustrations) to help show visually theplace of the instrument in traditional and modern Japan.’

• ISBN: 978-90-04-18137-3
• Editorial: Brill
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 145
• Fecha Publicación: 01/12/2009
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Desconocido