The Shakuhachi: Roots and Routes

Connecting instrument-building, ethnomusicology, and Japanese studies, this book looks at the history and techniques of the shakuhachi, here considered broadly as an end-blown Japanese flute. Chapters consider everything from the many cultural associations of its players to techniques for both building and playing the instrument. The book is nicely produced from a technical perspective, and with its large format and abundant color photographs, diagrams, and reproductions of Japanese prints it resembles a coffee-table book. The text, however, is scholarly and often technical. It will be of primary interest to shakuhachi players and builders, ethnomusicologists, and those with a technical interest in the history of music in Japan. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)