#gagaku

Gagaku Scene in A Samurai Chronicle (2014)

Album of the day ◇

Day 14: Gagaku - Miyavi

Genre: industrial metal, heavy metal, alt rock

As I mentioned in a previous post, my plans for the day were largely uprooted due to the rain. But I got to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art which I'd never been to before. The artwork and all the exhibits were absolutely stunning!

I wanted to highlight some specific Japanese items to stay on topic with this blog:

This is a beautifully decorated Taiko drum. A bit more ornate than the ones you'd typically see at shrines, but taiko drums are usually heard right before prayers are recited in an iconic beat pattern that speeds up towards the end of the section. And of course you'll see taiko drums during festival performances!

This is a hanging drum. More commonly seen in Buddhist locations. However I saw quite a few of them during the Three Great Festivals of Kyoto, namely during the Aoi Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri processions during the Gagaku sections.

This sculpture depicts two oni with a gong. The sign indicated that it was more likely designed with foreigners in mind but it's a fun depiction nonetheless.

【CalmSphere】 癒しの音で包まれるひととき Relaxation ~FloatingIncense~

日本の伝統美にインスパイアされた静謐なアンビエント・チルの世界へ。 それぞれの楽曲が、伝統的な楽器とモダンなサウンドスケープを融合させ、 あなたに「安らぎ」「調和」、そして「古の美しさの余韻」を届けます。

Tracklist:

This life • In Death Valley • Is a rose petal of the dying crimson light • Keyed out • In mother earth phase • A sodium codec haze • Across to Anoyo