Music Department of the Imperial Household Agency
Gagaku
Columbia (Japan) 1961
CLS-5006 (LP) Red label.
sleeve : VG+(wear on corner, slightly dirts.)
media : EX+/EX+(some slightly surface noises. still good condition.)
This album was released in 1961 and features a performance of Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) by the Imperial Household Agency's Music Department, which introduces a variety of Japanese music from nagauta, dance, and rakugo. According to the description, Gagaku came to Japan in the 8th century via Indochina, Persia, China, and Korea, and fused with ancient Japanese music such as Kagura, Toyu, Kume Mai, and Yamato Mai. It is a large ensemble of woodwinds, percussion, and strings, with strings such as koto and biwa performing the basic rhythmic functions and woodwinds playing long chords. Japanese people are familiar with this music, and I'm sure they've heard it before, but listening to it again, it's so-called "drone music," with a lot of overtones being released, and it's quite moving. The recording is excellent, and the sound almost swallows you up.
A1: 平調 五常楽 急
B1: 太食調 傾盃楽 急