MUS 231 The Musical Culture of Japan

This course will introduce the principal musical traditions of Japan from ancient court music (Gagaku) to contemporary genres. Integrated readings and discussions of social institutions, religious practice, and historically rigid class hierarchies will inform the musical explorations. Through guided listening and performing exercises we will explore Shinto and Buddhist rituals, important theater traditions (Noh and Kabuki), classical instrumental forms (koto, shamisen, shakuhachi), and various folk-related genres. [H, GM2]

Prerequisite

MUS 103 or permission of instructor

Instructor

Stockton