Modernization of Musical Cultures in Asia and Middle East : Issues concerning Transmission and Changes in Traditional Music.

2004 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 15320021
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Aesthetics/Art history
• Research Institution: Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
• Principal Investigator: TSUGE Gen'ichi Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Department of Music, Professor, 音楽学部, 教授 (10129299)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): TSUKAHARA Yasuko Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Department of Music, Associate Professor, 音楽学部, 助教授 (60202181) ; TANAKA Takako Kyoto University of Education, Department of Arts and Physical Education, Associate Professor, 音楽科, 助教授 (70346112)
• Project Period (FY): 2003 – 2004
• Keywords: Asia and Orient / modernization / history of music / musical instrument / traditional music

Research Abstract

Improvement of musical instruments is an element which represents succession and change of musical tradition in modern Asian countries. We investigated its condition about Japan, China, South Asia (India), Iran and the Central Asian countries. The results of the research are as follows : 1)Influence of industrialization on the production system : In Japan, regardless of diffusion of industrialization, mass-produced instruments are not ideal as they pursue its high sensibility. In modern India and China, entire products show excessive polarization between mass-production and those for professional use. In India, the number of old-established stores and makers by succession are very few against our expectations. Oversea Indian's religious parties use large quantities of harmonium and promote mass-production. 2)Relationship between transition of musical creation's agenda and improvement of instrument with political changes : In the socialistic countries, they affirmatively adapt the equal temperament, extend of low ranges and organize folk music ensemble playing improved instruments that have different ranges with each other. Their model is the Russian folk music ensemble in former Soviet Union. However, we can point out that in China and Uzbekistan, they spontaneously have started new creation of national music before they accepted the socialism. In Japan and India, an organized improvement like as that of the socialistic countries do not exist. Its range is very limited though they are producing minimum progress. 3)Changing of material and construction : In many region, silk and gut have been replaced by metal strings. However, Japanese traditional zithers and lutes in addition to Indian instruments have a tendency to adhere traditional materials. 4)Western music impact on the music composition and instruments improvement : In (former) socialistic countries, its influences are particularly remarkable. The ensemble with improved instruments has been established, at the same time, it has already become a part of their "new traditional music".