The Two modes?
Traditional Japanese music usually refers to Japan's historical folk music. Two forms are recognised as the oldest forms - shōmyō, or Buddhist chanting, and gagaku, or theatrical court music.
- Shōmyō or Buddhist chanting
- Gagaku or Theatrical court
Maybe Wondering ◡̈
So what are the meaning of the two modes?
Shōmyō or Buddhist chanting meaning?
- Traditional chanting. In Buddhism, chanting is the traditional means of preparing the mind for meditation, especially as part of formal practice (in either a lay or monastic context). Some forms of Buddhism also use chanting for ritualistic purposes.
Gagaku or Theatrical court
- gagaku, ancient court music of Japan. The name is a Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters for elegant music (yayue). Most gagaku music is of foreign origin, imported largely from China and Korea as early as the 6th century and established as a court tradition by the 8th century.
