Shakuhachi tunings?

Can someone point me to a web site that has traditional scales for the
Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute)? I've got a few recordings, and I'm
getting ready to read them into my PC and try to do some analysis on them,
but I was hoping someone could save me the trouble :-). Thanks!!

>Can someone point me to a web site that has traditional scales for the
>Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute)? I've got a few recordings, and I'm
>getting ready to read them into my PC and try to do some analysis on them,
>but I was hoping someone could save me the trouble :-). Thanks!!

The shakuhachi has four basic pitches corresponding to its finger holes: D,
F, G, and A in the most common length. Longer shakuhachi, which are used
for different repertories, will, of course, produce the same pitches
transposed down. Many other pitches are available through half-holing,
varying pressure, and changing the angle of the air stream. In fact, this
extreme variability is one of the great strengths (and difficulties) of the
instrument.

The traditional scale for shakuhachi is the "in" mode, usually given as D,
Eb, G, A, C, D in ascending form, D, Bb, A, G, Eb, D in descending form.
However, the actual tuning of these pitches is highly variable, and players
will vary not only from piece to piece but within the same piece or even
the same note. The shakuhachi player I have worked with refers to
variations in "darkness" (basically flatness) of the tones, especially Eb
and Bb. "Darker" versions of these pitches (semitones around 70 to 90
cents) are appropriate for the most meditative pieces.

Though traditional shakuhachi repertory is mostly very contemplative, many
pieces use larger semitones (100 cents or above) when the piece isn't so
introverted. Shakuhachi players are used to expressive variations in these
tunings since their traditional repertory today is mostly solo. However, in
jiuta or modern ensembles, they often play with kotos, in which case, of
course, they will tune to whatever the koto is tuned to, though not without
occasional expressive inflections when warranted.

Let us know the results of your tests.

Bill

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^ Bill Alves email: alves@hmc.edu ^
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