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The ryuteki is one of three Japanese transverse flutes used in Gagaku, the traditional “elegant” orchestral music of Japan with a history in excess of 1,000 years. Different types of flute (fue) are used for different Gagaku styles. The ryuteki is used for bugaku (dance) and kangen (non-dance) music influenced by Chinese tradition (Togaku). The recommended material for making this instrument is smoked bamboo approximately 100 years old! The ryuteki has seven finger holes and one for transverse tone production; it is just over a foot in length. Played with the two other Togaku winds—the sho (clay and bamboo mouth organ) representing the heavens and the hichiriki (oboe) representing earth—legend has the ryuteki in the role of magical dragons that fly between earth and heaven. Alan Hovanhess has written a sonata for flute and organ inspired by the sounds of the ryuteki and sho. Pictures, descriptions, and sound clips: Video of Gagaku ensemble (ryuteki, hichiriki [oboe], sho)— “Gagaku music” full bugaku—“The old court music ‘Etenraku’ played by
Youyukai” PHOTO: DAYTON C. MILLER FLUTE COLLECTION, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, MUSIC DIVISION |
frequently asked questions
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