Rare performance of 'shamizen' instrument proves a big hit

Text and photo by Kartika Bagus C.

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): The small theater of the Indonesian Higher Learning Institute of the Arts (STSI) erupted in thunderous applause last week at the conclusion of the Kaze No Jyonkara (Jyonkara song in the style of the Kaze Troupe).

The score by Noboru Abe closed the series of eight songs which were played excellently by Katakura Kyoko, Abe Noboru, Fujii Makoto, Suzuki Koshi and Suzuki Miyoko.

This is a uniquely Japanese form of musical entertainment in which the words and tunes of the songs are composed by wandering entertainers to cater for the tastes prevailing in each area. Other compositions played on the night were Tsugaru Jyonkara Naka Fushi (Song from Tsugaru City), Kuroishi Yosare Fushi (Yosare Song from Kuroishi), Akita Nikata Fushi (Song of a Porter from Akita), Esashi Gensoukou (Newly-Created Song based on Esashi song), Tsugaru Yosare Fushi (Yosare Song from Tsugaru), Dodarebachi, Jyonkara Kyokubiki Battle (A Game of Skill in Playing Musical Instruments) and several Japanese folk songs.

The musicians played with great dexterity the traditional shamizen instrument in a performance organized by the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia. Other performances were given in Jakarta and Surabaya.

Shamizen is an important instrument in Japan's traditional music but it reportedly has its origin in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. From South China it was introduced to Japan through the Okinawa prefecture in the 16th century.

In the 18th century, shamizen was introduced as a musical instrument to accompany Kabuki theater, bringing with it a transformation in the performances. The instrument was also embraced by wandering entertainers and roving merchants. Thanks to them, the popularity of shamizen spread far and wide across the country

Then, about a century ago, it was brought to Tsugaru, near the strait of the same name between the main islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. It was subsequently adapted to the local culture and tradition; with improvements and changes over time, it has taken its present form.

Shamizen renders sounds of near perfection; the high melodies produced when it is plucked can also generate a high-pitched rhythm. The stem of the shamizen is made of the world's hardest wood, which is imported from India. The tuner is made of a shrunken elephant tusk. Highly elastic hide is used to wrap its body, which looks like that of a Javanese stringed instrument.

With such quality and only the best materials used, it comes as no surprise that one of these instruments costs Rp 200 million. Silk threads, renowned for being ultrafine and strong, are what produce the high-pitched sounds.

As shamizen is rarely performed outside Japan, the recent performances were something to savor for music lovers still wishing to find out more about what the outside world has to offer.