nōkan
Quick Summary
The nōkan is a Japanese transverse flute used in Noh theatre. It is part of the hayashi ensemble, which also includes three types of drums: the taiko, ko-tsuzumi, and ō-tsuzumi. While the nōkan resembles the ryūteki flute, it has a unique characteristic where a short cylinder inserted into its tube causes it to overblow a seventh instead of an octave. This feature reflects the tonal principles of Noh music. The nōkan's primary functions are to signal sections of a performance and to play standard dance pieces. Its fingering technique, using the middle joint of the finger, produces a fluid melody that is not overly distinct, ensuring it doesn't compete with the vocal line.1
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