What kind of flute comes to mind when you hear the words “Japanese flute”?
Most people probably think of the vertical flute, the shakuhachi.
In fact, there is also a transverse flute like the flute, which is a Western instrument.
In this article, we will look at several types of Japanese transverse flute.
1. ryuteki
It is a bamboo instrument about 40 cm long with seven holes. It is characterized by its light and powerful tone, and is often compared to the cry of a dragon soaring through the sky.
2. komabue
This flute is approximately 37 cm long and has six holes. It is smaller and slenderer than the dragon flute, and is characterized by its high pitch range. It is characterized by its sharp high-pitched tone.
3. kagurabuye
This instrument was not introduced from abroad, but is a purely Japanese transverse flute. It is a bamboo instrument about 46 cm long with six holes. It is played in a gentle and extended manner.
4. nohkan
A bamboo instrument about 40 cm long with seven holes. It does not sound unless the high notes are played strongly, and it is difficult to play the average pitch. In a sense, it is an instrument characterized by its difficulty in blowing.
5. shinobue
Bamboo instruments of various lengths with six or seven holes. In contrast to the dragon flute and Noh flute used by the upper class, this instrument, which produces a clear tone, is said to have been favored by the common people.
There are many other types of yokobue.
It is surprising that there are so many different types of yokobue.
These yokobue flutes are sometimes used in different ways depending on the genre of music.
This also gives us a sense of the diversity of Japanese music.
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