Shakuhachi Master - John Singer
17. UCHIKAE KYOREI
Uchikae is a common term in Koto and Shamisen music meaning either the alternation of strong and weak beats or the sudden change of the tempo. This piece was probably named "Uchikae" for the peculiarity of five essential phrases, each ending on a weak beat. The title "Kyorei" can be found in "the original three". It is sometimes used after other characters as a suffix as is the case here.
Uchikae Kyorei was transmitted by the excellent Shakuhachi player Kawahara Tanzo from Shinmyo Seizan-Ji Temple (a branch of Ichigetsu-Ji Temple) to the Kinko school. It is ranked as a Takuhatsu (begging) piece.
Copyright 2001 John Singer. All rights reserved.