The cave and the tree: clues to the music of Japan?

  • Kevin Jones

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Western architecture, based on the paradigm of the cave, with its enclosing walls, interior focus and resonance, engenders music with sustained notes at the end of phrases, filled space and polyphony. This is contrasted with Japanese architecture, based on the paradigm of the tree, with its branching out beams and panels, exterior focus and dry 'outdoors‘ acoustic, which engenders music with very short notes at the end of phrases, empty space and heterophony - as exemplified in the music of Takemitsu.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 27 Oct 2001
Externally publishedYes
EventJapanese music today and tomorrow - Brighton, U.K.
Duration: 27 Oct 200127 Oct 2001

Conference

ConferenceJapanese music today and tomorrow
Period27/10/0127/10/01

Keywords

  • Music

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