Koto and Shamisen

Koto and Shamisen are Japanese traditional instruments.
Originally "Koto" is the name of Japanese zither group instruments. But, the instrument generally called "Koto" is "Sou" which has 13 strings, and movable 13 frets.
Shamisen is one of Japanese lutes. Shamisen is essential instrument in Japanese traditional music, and is used in many traditional music categories . Shamisen played with Koto(Sou) is called "Sangen", and the category is called "Jiuta". In Jiuta, music playing by trio (Sangen, Sou and Shakuhati) is common.
Silk strings were used for both Sou and Sangen, but chemical material strings are also used for Koto now.
Jyusitigen is bass Sou with 17 strings made by Michio Miyagi, who was famous composer and Sou player. Jyusitigen is used in many Miyagi's pieces and also in contemporary pieces.

The world of Michio Miyagi(Japanese)(Homepage of Miyagi koto association)
I am a member of Miyagi koto association.

Sound of Sou
from "Sakura hensoukyoku"(Sakura variations) composed by Michio Miyagi
sakura.mov(QuickTime) 90k | sakura.au 89k

"Sakura hensoukyoku" is played with two Sous and one Jyusitigen.

Sound of Sangen...in preparation

Three strings of Sangen made with silk.

Masterpieces on MIDI

Some Melodies of masterpieces are arranged into MIDI files. Please listen to CD or real performance if you have a chance.

"Otiba no odori"(Dance of falling leaves) 4.7k(about a quarter of the piece from the beginning)
"Otiba no odori" composed by Michio Miyagi is playing with Trio(Sou, Sangen and Jyusitigen).
Prelude is played by Sangen and Jyusitigen, and main melody is played by Sou.

Tidori no kyoku(Music of plovers) 8.1k(interlude sections)
"Todori no kyoku" composed by YoshizawaKengyou is played with Sou. Interlude sections are named "Nami(wave)" and "Tidori(plovers) .

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Japanese traditional instruments

Koto and Shamisen

Masterpieces on MIDI

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