The piece of music I found for this song share is a video of a women playing a Japanese Shamisen. From the description of the video the song seems to be titled “Kanda Festival” by Rokusaburo Kineya. I found this video while I was looking for music played on a Shamisen. I was particularly determined to find a piece of music featuring a shamisen because of a novel I have read, entitled Memoirs of a Geshia by Arthur Golden. The shamisen is often mentioned in the novel so when I was reading the text book for this chapter I was excited to see something I was somewhat familiar with. From what I can remember, the book briefly describes the look and sound of the shamisen because I had somewhat of an understanding of what it looked and sounded like, but I was curious to actually hear and see the instrument in action.
Something that I found surprising about the shamisen was actually in how it is played. I was not aware that the strings of the instrument where plucked with a large “pick”, which I looked up to find that it is called a “bachi”. I was really intrigued by this because I have never seen something quite like that . I was also surprised to discover that the instrument only has three strings, which feels unique for a string instrument which are more commonly seen as having four or more strings. I actually quite enjoyed the uniqueness of this instrument and I was particularly fascinated to learn more about an instrument that I had only read about in a novel. I found the instrument to have quite a beautiful sound, which is something I missed out on in the book. Also due to the fact that I am familiar with the instrument due to the novel, I feel that I strongly appreciate the talent of the musician in this video, stemming from the descriptions of and context the shamisen is learned in the book it seems to be something that can take large amounts of times to learn (assuming the book is accurate).
While searching for my song to use, I kept in mind my personal vow to include music that is performed by women. I was especially determined to find a performance done by a women for this particular assignment due to the fact that my source of inspiration was of a women playing the instrument in a book. I appreciated this specific performance because the musician seems very focused on her music and playing. I also appreciated that it was a solo piece and really highlighted the female performer.
I am glad to have been able to learn more about this instrument that I have been curious about since I finished the novel but never remembered to look up. I appreciate this opportunity to finally do so, in a fun and productive way.
The Video:
Provide Feedback