Nohgaku

Nohgaku is folksy type music meet operatic music that was developed in the 14th century. Specifically tailor-made for theater, it usually accompanies Noh performances, which features storytelling, juggling, acrobatics and dance.

Nohgaku consists of both instrument and vocals. The vocals are often more spoken words over music, with little emphasis on vocal dynamics. The style of vocals, also referred to as Utai, originates from Buddhist chanting which also incorporates song and speech. Primarily consisting of an eight member chorus, they explain the onstage drama and comment on what is going on.

Hayashi, or the instrumental part of Noh, utilizes such instruments as the nohkan or bamboo flute, and drums like the kotsuzumi, taiko and otsuzumi. The kotsuzumi and otsuzumi are usually played with the musicians bare hands while the taiko is played with drumsticks.