Core Kyoto

Season 4, Episode 6

Episode Title: Traditional Musical Instruments: Eternal Tones Waft Through the Ancient Capital

Air Date: 2016-04-21

Overview:

The world's oldest orchestral music, gagaku was imported from mainland China in ancient times. The melody is not based on a scale, yet the tunes are gentle, unmetered tones of continuous notes. The shakuhachi flute is a Buddhist instrument that brings enlightenment. The koto zither was much loved among the ancient aristocracy. The guitar-like shamisen entertains banquet guests in the flower districts. Discover the eternal tunes that harmonized the musical instruments' nature with human emotions.