jo-ha-kyū
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The Japanese musical concept of jo-ha-kyū is a structural ideal that divides a piece into three parts: the introduction (jo), the scatterings (ha), and the rushing toward the end (kyū). This tripartite form is a broad generalization and can be applied to melodies, sections of a piece, or entire compositions, contrasting with the more common two-part divisions found in Western music.1
Unlike Western music, which often relies on harmonic progressions for forward motion, Japanese music achieves this through a progression from one section to a different one, with the logic revealed by melodic or rhythmic patterns rather than thematic development. This concept is also seen in Noh theatre, where it influences the structure of musical pieces and the setting of text.12
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Japanese musicStructural ideals…the Japanese tripartite form is jo-ha-kyū—the introduction, the scatterings, and the rushing toward the end. A Western musician might wish to compare this with sonata form and its three parts (exposition, development, recapitulation). But the Western example relates to a complete event and involves the development of certain motives or…
Read More…the Japanese tripartite form is jo-ha-kyū—the introduction, the scatterings, and the rushing toward the end. A Western musician might wish to compare this with sonata form and its three parts (exposition, development, recapitulation). But the Western example relates to a complete event and involves the development of certain motives or…
Read More- Japanese musicSong types
One such variation is the jo-ha-kyū, or tripartite form, which is applied in the context of sections (dan) and includes typical placements of Noh musical styles. The jo portion generally consists of the shidai, usually an introduction, the na-nori, which allows the first character to identify himself, and the traveling…
Read MoreOne such variation is the jo-ha-kyū, or tripartite form, which is applied in the context of sections (dan) and includes typical placements of Noh musical styles. The jo portion generally consists of the shidai, usually an introduction, the na-nori, which allows the first character to identify himself, and the traveling…
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