Dear Newsletter readers
Hi, how are you doing? This is Azusa writing.
Do you like music?
I recently started learning to play the piano. Actually, I learned how to play the piano about 20 years ago, but gave up and didn't play since then because it was difficult. I have always wanted
to try again. Besides, I heard that it helps to prevent dementia!
I recently started learning to play the piano. Actually, I learned how to play the piano about 20 years ago, but gave up and didn't play since then because it was difficult. I have always wanted
to try again. Besides, I heard that it helps to prevent dementia!
Speaking of music, I also like traditional Japanese instruments. They were also
depicted beautifully in kimonos.
depicted beautifully in kimonos.
Have you heard of Gagaku? It is the court music of Japan from the Heian period (794- 1185). It is composed of percussion, wind and stringed instruments.
Let me introduce some instruments of them.
It's a 13-stringed Japanese harp. The strings are plucked with nail-shaped pickes, so it has rather clear tones. I learned playing it when I was a collage student, and liked the sound very much.
"Biwa"
"Biwa" is a four-stringed Japanese lute. It was used to tell narratives. I like it's lovely design. There are ancient Biwa of various beautiful designs gathered in Shosoin Treasure House in Todaiji teample. I recommend seeing them when you come to Nara!
"Tsuzumi"
Tsuzumi is a Japanese hand drum. It has loud and pleasant tones. It is often depicted colorfully in kimonos because it is regarded as auspicious motif.
Tsuzumi is a Japanese hand drum. It has loud and pleasant tones. It is often depicted colorfully in kimonos because it is regarded as auspicious motif.
