New series highlighting the witty side of Japanese traditional music. Born in 1931, Mansaku Nomura is one of Japan's leading kyogen actors, the son of the late Manzo Nomura (a Living National Treasure) and grandson of another great Manzo Nomura. His son is the popular Mansai Nomura, who now has his own son to continue the family kyogen dynasty. Kyogen is a theatrical art that has a history dating back some 600 years. Traditionally it was performed as comical interludes during noh performances but has developed as an independent art form. This CD acts as an introduction to kyogen with some of the most popular material with 11 famous amusing stories. 1.Yanagi no Shita 2.Nanatsu no Ko 3.Kai Zukushi 4.Kaido Kudari 5.Oharagi 6.Akatsuki 7.Usagi 8.Wakamatsu 9.Sumiyoshi 10.Taue 11.Utsubozaru
A rare CD of kabuki, Japan's great theatrical tradition, featuring a collection of famous lines from various stories.
1.Benten Musume Ono Shiranami (Hamamatsu-ya) 2.Benten Musume Ono Shiranami (Inasegawa Seizoroi) 3.Ukiyogara Hiyoku no Inazuma (Suzugamori) 4.Sannin Sankichi Kuruwa no Hatsukai (Ookawabata Deai) 5.Tsuyu Kosode Mukashi Hachijo (Kamiyui Shinza) 6.Yohanasake Ukina no Yokogushi (Genjidana) 7.Ten ni Magou Ueno no Hatsunana (Kouchiyama). Price: £16.99
Monumental album of 3 CDs 120 tracks with English liner notes. Described as the best of kabuki bgm- the music used in kabuki in various situations and scenes. The musicians are the backing group for the kabuki actor Kikugoro Onoe.
Noh- the medeival Japanese theatre, that thrived during the Muromachi period, 1333-1568. Solemn, dignified, magnificent in its simplicity. This CD features 27 pieces of musical accompaniment from the Kanze Ryu school. The music is peformed in some of noh's most famous plays including Takasago, Tsure Kame, Hagoromon, Yoshino Tenjin, Eguchi, Funa Benkei, Sumiyoshi Moude, Hashi benkei, Kosode Soga and Kumano. Price: £17.99
Various Japanese 'national treasures' perform an entire Noh play. Rather hard going as a listening experience.
Japanese classical puppet theatre, or Gidayu-bushi, the musical element. Price: £15.99
