Nagata Shachu Repertoire

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11 Voices
Tenkai CD
1997
   
 
Song Title: 11 Voices
   
Date Composed: 1997
Composer: Kiyoshi Nagata
Arrangement: Kiyoshi Nagata
Premiere Performance: Tenkai Recording
   
Inspired by Ravel's Bolero, this piece takes a simple rhythmic theme played one by one, on eleven taiko of various tones. As each taiko or voice completes the theme, it joins in on a slow, driving ji-uchi (base rhythm). The result is an ever expanding palette of textures and sounds growing in volume as each taiko is introduced. Bowed inkin (Buddhist cupbells) and a drone produced by rubbing the outer edge of a kin (a bowl shaped Buddhist gong) are used create an unearthly atmosphere and a sense of urgency.