WORLD MUSIC |
World music is a category of music that encapsulates many different genres of music, similar to the ethnomusicological definition of pop music. However, world music is a more widely accepted genre of music that is designed to help spread non-western styles of music. World music also often has music from cultures that have different conventions than those found in western classical art music. [1] World music is not limited to purely traditional forms of songs from cultures but has grown, partly due to the commercialization of the world music genre, to include music that references and alludes to these traditional patterns, instruments, and sounds. This can often be the combination of instruments from different cultures to produce a piece, for example combining the instruments of a traditional orchestra (violin, cello, viola, woodwinds, etc.) with taiko, chinese guzheng, and african djembe drums.
This section will address taiko in two types of world music: orchestrated versions with instruments of other cultures, and solo kumidaiko pieces and their function within the music.
This section will address taiko in two types of world music: orchestrated versions with instruments of other cultures, and solo kumidaiko pieces and their function within the music.
CHRISTOPHER TIN - Haf Gengr Hrí∂um (THE STORM-DRIVEN SEA) [2013]
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Christopher Tin, and award winning composer who has composed pieces for soundtracks and video games is an alumni of Stanford Taiko and has asked for their participation in a piece in his most recent song cycle album "The Drop That Contained the Sea." The piece features choir and the various instruments within kumidaiko.
ARTICLE: CHRISTOPHER TIN INTERVIEWAbove: Interview with Christopher Tin in his album Calling All Dawns
Left: Stanford Taiko and Stanford Chamber Choir performing Christopher Tin's newest piece. |
The live performance of Christopher Tin's newest piece The Storm-Driven Sea places a large emphasis on the taiko, relying on all musical elements outside of the voices of the choir. Taiko is often taught and performed in a very traditional setting, meaning that there is no sheet music, no conductor, and feeling the rhythm; the main method of teaching taiko is orally through the practice known as 'kuchi-shoka.' The elements of kumidaiko are applied to Tin's piece with the use of the many different types of taiko and the peripheral instruments.
Tin also has used taiko in other pieces such as "Mado Kara Mieru" from his album Calling All Dawns (2009). However, there are many more instruments that are featured in this piece that combine to create a very symphonic arrangement of voice, taiko, and the many other instruments found within the piece. Taiko within Tin's pieces are very discernible and pronounced, making use of the wide array of sounds the taiko can create: the low frequencies of the Don and the very sharp definitive sounds of the Ka. One further element that Tin incorporates into his pieces are the vocal element within taiko and martial arts known as the 'kiai'. With this third element of taiko, the taiko can be used very successfully in conveying a vast range of emotions and concepts: power, intensity, calmness, and control to name a few, to which Christopher Tin utilizes beautifully.
Tin also has used taiko in other pieces such as "Mado Kara Mieru" from his album Calling All Dawns (2009). However, there are many more instruments that are featured in this piece that combine to create a very symphonic arrangement of voice, taiko, and the many other instruments found within the piece. Taiko within Tin's pieces are very discernible and pronounced, making use of the wide array of sounds the taiko can create: the low frequencies of the Don and the very sharp definitive sounds of the Ka. One further element that Tin incorporates into his pieces are the vocal element within taiko and martial arts known as the 'kiai'. With this third element of taiko, the taiko can be used very successfully in conveying a vast range of emotions and concepts: power, intensity, calmness, and control to name a few, to which Christopher Tin utilizes beautifully.
KODO DRUMMERS OF JAPAN
KODO, the most recognized kumidaiko group in the world. They have composed soundtracks to major films, as well as having become the inspiration for many taiko players around the world. KODO embodies the spirit of taiko in their movements, their precision in their hits, and their love of the artform. For KODO, taiko is a way of life and their passion for taiko is captivating for taiko players and music lovers alike.
KODO - ONE EARTH TOURAbove: An article about KODO and their lives as taiko players.
Right: Compilation of pieces and performances by KODO |
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KODO is the spirit of Kumidaiko and can be the foundation of world music for taiko. Their traditional rhythms and pieces along with their influences of other musical genres such as jazz have created a very unique and memorable sound to taiko. From the One Earth article, it is stated that the goal of KODO is to connect with audience, and through all mediums they have succeeded, which is a very difficult task to do. Kumidaiko is predominantly a visual performance art; a major reason to go watch a kumidaiko performance is to see large taiko and performers in unique costumes. KODO is able to captivate their audience even through recorded media, eliminating the visual elements - a task that no ordinary kumidaiko group can achieve.
There are many instances of recorded pieces by various kumidaiko groups, so much so that there could be a possible genre for just taiko. However, to proliferate the dispersion of taiko around the world, the category of world music is a much better label to use. Taiko on its own is still a relatively new sound to many listeners of music and the best chance to truly be exposed to the joy and mystery of kumidaiko is to witness a live performance. The energy, passion, and visual elements combined with the powerful sounds and intricate rhythms of taiko are a very unique sight and is something that is a uniquely live experience.
Taiko though has reached out through different forms of media, multiple genres, and made its way into our lives without us even knowing it. Taiko can be considered a multipurpose percussive instrument that has many uses in different types of music. Slowly, the taiko is becoming a part of many productions; it may only be a matter of time before it becomes the feature instrument in popular music.
There are many instances of recorded pieces by various kumidaiko groups, so much so that there could be a possible genre for just taiko. However, to proliferate the dispersion of taiko around the world, the category of world music is a much better label to use. Taiko on its own is still a relatively new sound to many listeners of music and the best chance to truly be exposed to the joy and mystery of kumidaiko is to witness a live performance. The energy, passion, and visual elements combined with the powerful sounds and intricate rhythms of taiko are a very unique sight and is something that is a uniquely live experience.
Taiko though has reached out through different forms of media, multiple genres, and made its way into our lives without us even knowing it. Taiko can be considered a multipurpose percussive instrument that has many uses in different types of music. Slowly, the taiko is becoming a part of many productions; it may only be a matter of time before it becomes the feature instrument in popular music.
FURTHER RECORDINGS AND EXAMPLES
More instances of kumidaiko and taiko in world music can be found in the Links page in both the "Useful Links" header as well as the "From Genres - World Music" header.