Shakuhachi Master - John Singer
31. AKEBONO NO SHIRABE
"Akebono" means "to transpose up a fifth" (in Koto music the "Akebono joshi" (Akebono tuning) of the Yamada Ryu is transposed up a fifth from the standard "Hira Joshi"). Also, in Gagaku music, Akebono joshi (called Oshiki cho) is one of the six Gagaku tunings where the major note is "A".
Although this piece is not found in the "Kinko Techo" (Kinko Records), as far as the melody is concerned, the essence of this piece is exactly the same as that of the piece "Hifumi Hachigaeshi". The key is changed four steps but the melodic movement is almost identical in both pieces. The only difference in the two pieces is that of the key and small embellishments or ornaments.
Regarding the meaning of "Shirabe", refer to the section on "Hifumi Hachigaeshi No Shirabe".
Copyright 2001 John Singer. All rights reserved.