Koto and Shakuhachi Concert

On May 27th, there was a koto and shakuhachi concert at Honen-in. I was invited by Carol to that concert, but neither I nor some other students she invited knew that we were supposed to register prior to the event... Well, nothing that a little talk didn't solve actually. Besides, it was a event for international students, anyway (not only for them, though).

Also, although I've been at the Philosopher's Walk (the temple is close to it), I've never been to that temple, so it was a new one to explore.


The concert itself was very pleasing. There was even one with a shamisen. Also, I guess the musicians who played are reasonably known in Japan. They were also very nice, answering questions and...

letting us play a little with some spare instruments they've brought (koto and shakuhachi only)! Yay! Time to play!



As you may have guessed, with all my musical ability I wasn't able to play either. But I have some comments. The basics of the shakuhachi are harder to get than for the koto. It took me a long time just to get the correct way to blow it. But both seem hard to master.

The musical notation is also different. I couldn't associate the notes with the western standard. Not that I'm any goos at distinguishing tones anyway. Besides, we were told that those instruments (especially the koto) are adjusted by ear...

There was also a tea ceremony with a very interesting sweet served with the tea. some sort of jelly served inside a shell... which we also used as a spoon to eat.

Just in case someone is interested about the concert, I'm writing the contents... in Japanese. That's how we received it too!

出演者
　箏：細見由枝
　尺八：米村鈴笙

プログラム
１．「春の海」
２．尺八本曲
３．古曲「八千代獅子」
４．「ロンドンの夜の雨」
５．「さくら」日本古謡
　　「浜千鳥」