Taiko drumming has a long history in Japan dating back over 2000 years. Taiko drums were traditionally used for communication and in religious ceremonies. There are different types of taiko drums ranging from small shime drums to large o-daiko drums. Taiko performances involve coordinated ensemble drumming called kumi-daiko along with vocal and flute parts. Proper technique, posture, and uniforms are important traditions in taiko performances. The key aspects are kata (form) and ki (energy). Taiko is considered an important part of Japanese musical and performance culture.
Taiko drumming has a long history in Japan dating back over 2000 years. Taiko drums were traditionally used for communication and in religious ceremonies. There are different types of taiko drums ranging from small shime drums to large o-daiko drums. Taiko performances involve coordinated ensemble drumming called kumi-daiko along with vocal and flute parts. Proper technique, posture, and uniforms are important traditions in taiko performances. The key aspects are kata (form) and ki (energy). Taiko is considered an important part of Japanese musical and performance culture.
Taiko drumming has a long history in Japan dating back over 2000 years. Taiko drums were traditionally used for communication and in religious ceremonies. There are different types of taiko drums ranging from small shime drums to large o-daiko drums. Taiko performances involve coordinated ensemble drumming called kumi-daiko along with vocal and flute parts. Proper technique, posture, and uniforms are important traditions in taiko performances. The key aspects are kata (form) and ki (energy). Taiko is considered an important part of Japanese musical and performance culture.
Taiko drumming has a long history in Japan dating back over 2000 years. Taiko drums were traditionally used for communication and in religious ceremonies. There are different types of taiko drums ranging from small shime drums to large o-daiko drums. Taiko performances involve coordinated ensemble drumming called kumi-daiko along with vocal and flute parts. Proper technique, posture, and uniforms are important traditions in taiko performances. The key aspects are kata (form) and ki (energy). Taiko is considered an important part of Japanese musical and performance culture.
Much like in other cultures of the world, the drums have been used for thousands of years and are considered to be one of the oldest instruments used by mankind. In Japan, Taiko drums have been played for over 2000 years. They were often used as a tool for communication or in religious ceremonies.
Taiko drums are used in performance ensembles known
as Kumi-Daiko ( ). The performances involve Taiko drums being played simultaneously, as well as vocal parts and occasionally flute parts as well. They have been known for being used in warfare as a tool of motivation and presentation. It can also be found in theatre settings.
There is evidence of Taiko artifacts being found in Japan as early as
in the 6th century, during the Kofun period. Similar artifacts were also found in parts of South China and the Koreas. Taiko drumming continued to develop as a typical aspect in Japanese traditional music throughout the imperial period and into modern age.
C HAPTER 2
Traditions & Characteristics The performance of Taiko involves a great deal of tradition and customs that are always to be respected. These range from the traditional clothing (the use of Kimonos) to the maintaining of the posture and use of correct stroke technique. Taiko performance is 10% drumming and 90% posture and technique. Taiko ensembles perform in uniforms, performing as a unit. Although different members of the ensemble play different parts, all parts are properly coordinated. The importance lies on two main aspects: Kata (form) and Ki (energy).
Professional Ensemble Notice how professional Taiko performers dedicate themselves fully to the intensity of the performance. Kata and Ki are both clear in this performance
Although this is not a professional group, notice how all the traditions and characteristics of the art of Taiko are still in place and very much respected. Both Kata and Ki are very much present in the performance
The Drum The drums used in Taiko come in all different sizes, shapes and sound qualities. The smallest one, often used as the lead drum, is the Shime. It is roughly shaped like a snare drum and produces a higher sound than most other Taiko drums.
The biggest drum used
in Taiko is called the ODaiko. This drum is awfully big and often requires two players to be played in a performance. Its sound quality is very low and deep. Most Taiko ensemble groups do not need more than one O-Daiko drum in the ensemble.
The most commonly used
drum in Taiko performances is the Chu-Daiko. This drum is roughly the size of a wine barrel and produces a midrange sound. Most ensembles will use multiple Chu-Daikos in their performances.
The sticks used for Taiko
drumming are nothing like regular drum sticks. They are called Bachi sticks and are short, flat, thick wood sticks.
C HAPTER 3
Final Considerations Taiko drumming is a delicate art, yet very powerful in itself. It was said by the imperial palace performers that Taiko drumming is the door through which the soul liberates itself and allows the impossible to become possible. Taiko is a form of art that continues to be kept alive and thrives even within the young communities nowadays. Taiko is one of Japans most symbolic performance style and it will always remain as a gift to the musical world.
