Japanese Noh Theatre has been around since the 14 century. The noh, is different from many other forms of art and music because it is said that the actor is unaware of what is going to be played. The actors and musical performers feed more off each other and that is how their performance is made. Due to their nonpulsatile music, it lets the actors expand with how they will conduct their performance. Experts have a sense of where the piece or flow the of music is going and feed of the vibe in order to create the Noh performance. With this type of play, it is very easy to lose a sense of time. To observe the Noh theatre, I searched YouTube and found a great segment from a classical Noh performance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdk1pi0BSug
First, I watched this link to observe more of the instruments used and how they are used to build on each other. Noh performances consist of four instruments typically, a bamboo flute, and three small drubs. Within this link, you are able to see those. I also noticed that many of the Noh performances where typically set on a wooden stage and the main actor would perform in front of those playing the instruments. Another great link that shows for of the actor side of the performance can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTv8uM_jmmI&feature=related
I have also noticed that the actor is often carrying a fan in one hand. Their performance instead of being tremendously acrobatic and quick jumping around, consists of walking and more rigid movements. At least this is the impressions that I have got from the videos that I have watched.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Blog Post 5
I chose to watch the following link on YouTube featuring Pandit Bhimsen Joshi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC35uWZFW3g&feature=PlayList&p=3786E62F6052A973&index=4
This differed from most of Ravi Shankar’s performances in that it was based primarily on vocals that told a story to the listener. Fortunately the video I watched translated what he was singing. The drums played an important role in this performance. I noticed that the drummer would not use sticks however, he would make his music via his fingers. It looks like he is using the Tabla. Some of the instruments in the performance include possibly the harmonium, tambura, and possibly the Sitar. The tabla is the most recognizable of the instruments because it differs in that it is a membranophone will the other in my opinion more distinguishable instruments are chordophones.
What impressed me the most about this video is that according to others who have viewed this video, the vocalist (Pandit Bhimsen Joshi) is older than 80 years old and is still able to create the very distinct sounds for this culture. This is truly a classical Hindustani song compared to the more modern western influenced Hindustani music.
It seems to me like it is very traditional to have this sort of setup in this music culture where all the musicians surround the main piece but the way that this differs from other types of cultures is that they are all sitting, most of which I would explain as “Indian style.” The scene is also very traditional and is a different stage setup that most western people are used to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC35uWZFW3g&feature=PlayList&p=3786E62F6052A973&index=4
This differed from most of Ravi Shankar’s performances in that it was based primarily on vocals that told a story to the listener. Fortunately the video I watched translated what he was singing. The drums played an important role in this performance. I noticed that the drummer would not use sticks however, he would make his music via his fingers. It looks like he is using the Tabla. Some of the instruments in the performance include possibly the harmonium, tambura, and possibly the Sitar. The tabla is the most recognizable of the instruments because it differs in that it is a membranophone will the other in my opinion more distinguishable instruments are chordophones.
What impressed me the most about this video is that according to others who have viewed this video, the vocalist (Pandit Bhimsen Joshi) is older than 80 years old and is still able to create the very distinct sounds for this culture. This is truly a classical Hindustani song compared to the more modern western influenced Hindustani music.
It seems to me like it is very traditional to have this sort of setup in this music culture where all the musicians surround the main piece but the way that this differs from other types of cultures is that they are all sitting, most of which I would explain as “Indian style.” The scene is also very traditional and is a different stage setup that most western people are used to
Monday, February 8, 2010
Blog Post 4 - Googoosh
I chose to watch one of Googoosh’s live performances on YouTube. The title was “A Unique Performance of GOOGOOSH(Kavir Song).” There are some distinct music elements that different from other popular music that I have seen. For one, the crowd was mostly dressed very eloquently, and an extremely large crowd at that. Somehow, they managed to provides seats for everyone as well. Googoosh, like the crowd is dressed in very nicely, differently from some of the clothing that we would see in today’s western style music. It seems very appropriate for the time and age of Googoosh’s performance. Which I believe this video was from 2000 (at least that was referenced in the comments for the video.) But I think this also shows her traditional culture. Although I know that her tour was a very big thing that captured media from around the world, letting a female from Iran go on tour. It was to show the new political forces in power during that time.
Her music is very intriguing and I would almost describe it was uplifting. There is a certain breathtaking sensation that not only takes me away but also the crowd as well. In the beginning of the video, you can see some of the individuals swaying to the music. It looks like she includes the drums, piano, and a flute to create her piece. At the end of the song, the crowd goes wild to show their appreciation for Googoosh.
Her music is very intriguing and I would almost describe it was uplifting. There is a certain breathtaking sensation that not only takes me away but also the crowd as well. In the beginning of the video, you can see some of the individuals swaying to the music. It looks like she includes the drums, piano, and a flute to create her piece. At the end of the song, the crowd goes wild to show their appreciation for Googoosh.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Extra Credit Blog Post 1
I would like to being by saying that I thought the Chinese UIBE group was very interesting and talented. I learned many things not only about their music but also about their culture. There group was for the most part shy but I would say that not many of our class engaged in conversation either. Suprisingly, they spoke much better English than I thought that they would be able too. I was thoroughly amazed and at speaking talent as well as their musical talent. They played a couple things including vocals, guitar, and I’m not sure of the instrument name but it’s a clattering wooden instrument.
They sang different types of classifications of music in their culture that varies depending on the region. They included opera in which one of the male students represented both how the females would sing and how the male would sing. Interesting enough, only the men are allowed on stage so men have to play both men and women. They are sang at different octaves, that is how they distinguish between the sexes. Also, a female student sang a piece from of their cultures, and I’m not sure how to describe it besides nothing but absolutely amazing.
Next, one of the students played the guitar for one of the folk songs, in which most of the music revolves around the theme of love. He played the guitar while singing and the wooden instrument was used during this. Eventually, the rest of their class started clapping, as well as my class. It was a very involved song and didn’t seem to complicating for someone to follow.
All in all, I thought that their performance was going to be amazing because it would include both martial arts and music but unfortunately I was unable to attend until a little later and it was already fully packed.
They sang different types of classifications of music in their culture that varies depending on the region. They included opera in which one of the male students represented both how the females would sing and how the male would sing. Interesting enough, only the men are allowed on stage so men have to play both men and women. They are sang at different octaves, that is how they distinguish between the sexes. Also, a female student sang a piece from of their cultures, and I’m not sure how to describe it besides nothing but absolutely amazing.
Next, one of the students played the guitar for one of the folk songs, in which most of the music revolves around the theme of love. He played the guitar while singing and the wooden instrument was used during this. Eventually, the rest of their class started clapping, as well as my class. It was a very involved song and didn’t seem to complicating for someone to follow.
All in all, I thought that their performance was going to be amazing because it would include both martial arts and music but unfortunately I was unable to attend until a little later and it was already fully packed.
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