Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Kiku Day wrote:

So, I am now thinking about what piece or a section of a honkyoku piece that best would express this wonderful instrument and its connection to the universe, the existence and being in the presence - that the sound of shakuhachi can have.
Any suggestions?

Koku comes to mind... a slow progression through the first few breaths with a lot of ma might be a great 3~4 minute start to the show.

Zak

I don't have anything to add with regards to pieces, but just wanted to congratulate you on what sounds like a very special concert

Wow. Thanks for this well-timed post. Feeling quite bummed (and pissed) after just reading the news that our world leaders have decided to put off the primary purpose for Copenhagen; namely to come to a legally binding decision on climate change, your good news really makes my day. Thanks for posting it. I can offer no song suggestions. However, I can offer my wholehearted support. Right after I post this reply, I'm going to go into my zendo and shout, "Go Kiku!'. In fact, I'll do it right now...OK, I just did it. My girlfriend was 'supportively amused'.

Best wishes,
Kohl

Mujitsu wrote:

edosan wrote:

Kiku Day wrote:

So I am not trying to brag or anything.

So whatever's wrong with a bit of bragging? 

Good old Honshirabe'd be my pick: it's the right length and a complete package, good for the uninitiated, comprised of most of the basic
elements of Honkyoku, and you can cram as much Ma into it as you like.

Bravo Kiku!

I second Ed's suggestion for all the same reasons. In fact, my non-shakuhachi initiated friend
has Honshirabe (Choshi) on his ipod and finds it more approachable compared to other pieces
which are too esoteric for his tastes.

one more vote for honshirabe/choshi.   
or, hifumi cho without hachigaeshi. nice because it has the triune heaven/earth/humanity thing, thus relating to climate change (of earth and heaven) by humanity. (and perhaps the hope of balancing it out henceforth...)

Kiku, congratulations, omedeto gozaimasu, and mazel tov.
   Add my vote for Choshi / Honshirabe. Play the opening tsu-re strongly and it has the flavor of a fanfare. Sure to get folks attention at the top.

Last edited by Elliot K (2009-11-15 19:04:23)

Congratulations on being able to play on such an auspicious occasion.  I also think Honshirabe would be a good choice.  Bonne chance!

Dear all.

THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYBODY for all the well-wishes! It is really nice to feel the support! Much appreciated!
Yes, I do feel it is a special event and performance to be taken seriously.

The Honshirabe (Choshi) or as Okuda calls it: Honte no Shirabe suggestions have been taken on board. True, blasting the first two notes out to attract attention would not be a bad idea. Thanks guys! Also for the other suggestions. It just helps clarifying my own thoughts on which piece to play when I hear other people's ideas. Very helpful and how wonderful it is to have this forum to enable such an exchange.

Kohl wrote:

"Go Kiku!'

Your enthusiasm made me smile! Let's all hope and blow for a positive outcome of this conference. It will affect us all.

edosan wrote:

I'd also avoid using a gynormous flute...

Ed, the word gynormous didn't exist in the Oxford Dictionary. So a google search confirmed what I suspected it must mean. At such a gig where I'd have to stand I will not be able to play a big flute because I need to rest the big ones on the floor. I will probably at the most play on a 2.5. I thought it would be nice to play a Taimu.... but I think I have to go for a smaller one.

Elliot K wrote:

Kiku, congratulations, omedeto gozaimasu, and mazel tov.

Thanks for this one! Yes it is global so the more languages the better. + I get really happy when people say something to me in Hebrew!

Last edited by Kiku Day (2009-11-16 10:49:14)

They made an excellent choice!

I also think Honte no Shirabe is a great choice!

ABRAXAS wrote:

edosan wrote:

gynormous ....

I mispellt the word, which should be 'ginormous' (must've been a Freudian slip...).

Thats an understatement!

Ok guys, it is NOT nice to laugh at the less gifted in language! I tried then to look up ginormous.... and I have no idea how I got there, but came to look up ginormous in google images.... did you guys try that? My biggest shakuhachi is nothing beside these...

Kiku Day wrote:

ABRAXAS wrote:

edosan wrote:

gynormous ....

I mispellt the word, which should be 'ginormous' (must've been a Freudian slip...).

Thats an understatement!

Ok guys, it is NOT nice to laugh at the less gifted in language! I tried then to look up ginormous.... and I have no idea how I got there, but came to look up ginormous in google images.... did you guys try that? My biggest shakuhachi is nothing beside these...

No fear! I was laughing at Ed!

Kiku, check the acoustics of the hall first, sometimes it's best to go with 1.8 or even 1.6 if that's the only thing that will cut through. Good luck and have fun!

Kiku Day wrote:

Thanks guys for the suggestions and the laughs!
I will have to be mic'ed up for the gig. It is an gimormous place.
I think I will ask John Neptune which mic it is he uses (wireless little one to have on the flute itself). And search this forum for discussions about mic'ing as I know we have had them.

Neptune uses a Countryman.