The biwa is a traditional Japanese plucked string instrument that holds a significant place in the country’s cultural history. With a pear-shaped body and four to five strings, the biwa is often compared to a lute. Its deep, resonant sound has made it an iconic instrument, particularly associated with narrative storytelling and classical Japanese music. Over the centuries, different styles of biwa have evolved, each contributing to various aspects of Japanese musical traditions.
What is the Biwa?
The biwa is a traditional Japanese lute that is played with a large plectrum called a bachi. The instrument has a short neck and typically four or five strings. Unlike Western string instruments, the strings of the biwa are tuned to different pitches, and rather than strumming, the strings are plucked or struck with the bachi to produce a distinct, percussive sound. The instrument’s body, made from wood, amplifies this sound, giving it a rich, earthy tone.
There are several variations of the biwa, including the gaku-biwa, heike-biwa, satsuma-biwa, and chikuzen-biwa, each with unique performance practices and associations with different social classes or regions.
A Brief History of the Biwa in Japan
The biwa arrived in Japan from China around the 7th century, where it had originated as the pipa. In Japan, the biwa initially became associated with Gagaku (imperial court music), where the gaku-biwa was played in ensembles to accompany court rituals. This style of biwa is still used today in traditional Gagaku performances.
Over time, the biwa became a favored instrument for storytelling, particularly in the form of heike-biwa used by biwa hōshi (blind biwa players) who would recite stories like the Tale of the Heike. These biwa players were instrumental in keeping Japan’s oral narrative traditions alive during the medieval period, particularly by recounting the tragic tale of the Heike clan’s downfall. In the Kamakura period, this style of performance became highly formalized.
By the Edo period, new variations of the biwa emerged, such as the satsuma-biwa, which was associated with the samurai class, and the chikuzen-biwa, popularized in Fukuoka. These regional variants added distinct playing styles and purposes to the biwa tradition.
The Sound and Features of the Biwa
The sound of the biwa is unique, characterized by its sharp, percussive tones. When struck with the large plectrum, the biwa produces a sound that resonates deeply, often described as dramatic and melancholic. The music played on the biwa is often slow and meditative, with pauses that emphasize the weight of each note, creating an emotional depth that complements the narratives it often accompanies.
The satsuma-biwa, for example, produces a powerful and aggressive sound, reflecting its connection to the samurai culture, while the chikuzen-biwa is known for its more delicate and lyrical tone, often performed by female players.
Traditional Japanese Music Featuring the Biwa
The biwa is primarily used in storytelling and traditional Japanese music, where it plays both melodic and rhythmic roles. Here are some of the main genres of music in which the biwa is featured:
Gagaku (Imperial Court Music)
The gaku-biwa is used in Gagaku, Japan’s oldest form of classical music, where it provides rhythmic support alongside instruments like the shō and koto. In these performances, the biwa is played horizontally, and its role is to mark the beat of the music, adding a layer of complexity to the orchestration.
Heike-biwa and the Tale of the Heike
One of the most iconic uses of the biwa is in the narration of Heike Monogatari (The Tale of the Heike), a famous epic that recounts the fall of the Heike clan in the 12th century. Heike-biwa players, known as biwa hōshi, would travel from village to village, playing the biwa while chanting sections of the story. Their performances often took on a spiritual or meditative quality, with the biwa providing somber accompaniment to the tale’s tragic themes.
Satsuma-Biwa and Chikuzen-Biwa
The satsuma-biwa, developed in the Satsuma region (modern-day Kagoshima), was played by samurai warriors to accompany martial narratives. Its bold, assertive sound matched the militaristic content of the stories, emphasizing the valor and stoicism of the characters.
In contrast, the chikuzen-biwa, originating in Fukuoka, has a more refined sound and is often associated with poetic recitations and spiritual themes. This style was particularly popular among female performers during the Meiji period, and it remains a prominent form of biwa music today.
Famous Biwa Songs
Some of the most famous songs associated with the biwa include:
- Gion Shōja: The opening section of the Tale of the Heike, which recounts the impermanence of all things, famously beginning with the line, “The sound of the bell at Gion Shōja echoes the impermanence of all things.”
- Dan-no-ura: This section from the Tale of the Heike describes the climactic sea battle between the Heike and Genji clans, where the Heike suffered a devastating defeat.
- Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige: A satirical song that recounts the humorous adventures of two travelers along the Tōkaidō road.
Conclusion
The biwa is not just an instrument; it is a vessel for storytelling and historical preservation. Its sound evokes deep emotions, and its versatility has allowed it to be used in a variety of musical genres, from court music to samurai narratives. The rich history and unique sound of the biwa continue to resonate in Japanese culture, making it an essential part of the country’s musical heritage.
