Task 2 - Introduction to a
narrative style of singing
This web page deals with the construction of two different syles of narrative music. It contains a workshop exercise to introduce a narrative style which is consolidated in Task A . Task B is designed to produce a different style of narrative music based upon the work covered in Task 1.
The purpose of narrative music, or joururi is to tell or expand upon the action taking place on stage. This is undertaken by the chanters who either individually utilise long drawn out phrases which clash discordantly with the shamisen "pedal" notes or in unison, or as a solo or group of voiced follow a melodic shamisen line. Again, both the minyo and miyako bushi onkai are used and vocal line is highly ornamented. Occasionally a heightened form of speech can be included, much like the sprechstimme (spoken-song) of Alban Berg.
Exercises
Repeat the singing exercise from Task 1.
As in Task 1 invent a short phrase based upon the miyako bushi onkai that can be repeated and sung by the whole group. The phrase should drift down to a sustained note held on the low kakuon. This time explore the use of ornamentation by allowing the "soloist" to drift his note closely around the kakuon playing with the discord. Think of the way a "blues" singer might hover around a tonal centre creating a "pressing" discord. There are similarities in style. Draw the shape of the ornamentation in the air with a finger simultaneously. Repeat this complete exercise around the circle until everyone has had an opportunity to experiment with the ornamentation.
Compare this ornamentation to this with a passage of narrative music
(this also contains an example of the heightened speech)
Task A
Produce a short summary (no longer that 40 words) of the events from the beginning of Romeo and Juliet which lead up to the balcony scene. This does not have to be in verse. Use this material as a basis to produce a slow narrative section based on the miyako bushi onkai with extended ornamented vocal notes against an accompaniment of shamisen (or an equivalent) flourishes and repeated notes, but without drums. This could be taken by a small ensemble.Task B
Produce a short summary of the progression of the story after the balcony scene. You may wish to hint at the demise of Romeo and Juliet. This does not have to be in verse. Use this material to produce an energetic narrative piece that could close the scene. Using the onkai, create melodic patterns to fit the words that could be sung in unison by a group of singers. Consider accompanying this with melodic instruments in unison and drum patterns as created in Task 1. Include elements from the geza using the same principles as those described in Task 1 and possibly a wild and repetative "unrelated" flute pattern. Compare with this example
The Kabuki Story | Anatomy of Kabuki | Glossary | Activities
© Michael Spencer 1999