Shakuhachi Master - John Singer
16. SAKAI JISHI
The term "shishi" (phonetically changeable to "Jishi") is translated as "lion" but can also refer to a deer or dog having magical properties and used to avoid evil spirits. Throughout the history of performing, from the ancient arts of Gagaku and Gigaku (masked musical performance) to Kabuki dance, in any musical performance at any social level, "Shishi" is a very common subject.
"Sakai" (the name of a city and also translated using a different Chinese character which means "prosperity") is close in performing style to the Takuhatsu pieces and was composed and arranged to be played as a duet.
This piece was transmitted by Omuri Sogun and added into the Kinko Ryu Honkyoku repertoire. It used to be performed around the Sakai area of Osaka. Though the Chinese character for "Sakai" was changed at the time of transmission, it was originally the same character as that of the place.
Copyright 2001 John Singer. All rights reserved.