The celebrated buddhist monks who belong to the shin-gon sect, perform the real, raw shomyo or buddhist chants. This CD is of the Iidate Rongi, a ceremony that is held every month, that takes on a form something like a discussion.
Coming primarily from China, the practice of singing and composing chants based on sacred texts and hymns became known as Shomyo in Japan. Elaborate ceremonies could include court music, or gagaku, although unrelated the chanting and the instrumental music performed simultaneously creates a powerful multisonic texture. On this new recording, the Tendaisyomyo Buddhist sect are joined by guitarist Tatsuya Koumazaki and the group Pangaea, playing various percussion, the Japanese zither, the Koto and flutes among other instruments to add another dimension.
Price: £18.99
One of two remarkable recordings of Shomyo (Buddhist chants) this one of the Shingonshu sect, accompanied by taiko drums, shinobue (flute) nohkan (flute) koto (harp), sho (mouth organ), percussion and most notably guitar. It is an unlikely combination but totally effective as voices, normally sung accappella, are enhanced by a sympathetic accompaniment that enriches their effect.
The real and raw shomyo (buddhist chanting). Engaging, fascinating and strangely relaxing, as the low pitched drones are accompanied by metalitic percussion, shell blowing, and just accappella on others. Includes powerful, startling solo singing, from an exclusive, high buddhist sect. Not for anyone with a nervous disposition. Price: £18.99
Superb recording of mostly unaccompanied buddhist chanting, sometimes in unison, sometimes solo. There are 24 main monks performing, the oldest and leader being 91 years old. The chants are punctuated with the occasional bells (hansho, kin) and gongs (nyo, dora) The monks belong to the Shin-gon sect and Joraku-kai is one of their main ceremonies held at Tongo-buji temple. The shingon sect was founded by Kukai (774-835) who died aged 60 on Mount Koya. Fascinating document.
Traditional shomyo- buddhist chants with only minimal accompaniment. Price: £18.99
Performance of the Tsukinami Mieku, a Buddhist memorial service for the dead.
