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Hachijō
This style of Taiko developed on Hachijo Island, the land of exiles, where 400 years ago the exiled samurai developed this way of playing to express their frustration at losing their swords. The drummers use call & answer rhythms on one drum, building the tempo and intensity of the hypnotic rhythms.
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Onsen
This piece is based on the Hokuriku style of playing, using bamboo Bachi drumsticks to beat out a strong base rhythm with improvised solos and Shinobue bamboo flute layered over it. This unique style, originally played at Onsen hot spring resorts, is rarely seen outside of this corner of western Japan.
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Todoroki
The “rumble of thunder” – an electrifying modern Taiko symphony using the fast Mitsu-uchi rhythm, which builds into a thundering crescendo.
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Tōjimbō
The fast and furious Mitsu-uchi rhythm rises and falls like the rough waves of the wild Japan sea at the famed outcrop of rocks named after the Buddhist monk, Tojimbo, who was pushed to his death by scheming fellow-monks. This moody place inspired us to write this energetic piece, using the thundering Nagado drums and high-pitched Chanchiki bell. |
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Otherworld
Didgeridoo, gong and atmospheric drum beats create an otherworldly soundscape to call up the spirits within the drum. Taiko is used at the festival of spirits, Obon, with rites and beliefs remarkably similar to the Celtic festival of Samhuin, where the veil between the real world and the otherworld becomes thin on this one night, and which has developed into modern day Halloween. A masked character representing the awakened spirits from beyond takes to the stage in a mesmerising dance. |
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Fudōshin
This is the state of mental clarity and integration of body and mind in which a player is capable of using their full potential of KI energy to play the Odaiko big drum. Fudoshin literally means “move nothing heart”, also practiced in martial arts. The delicate and expressive Shinobue bamboo flute solo leads into the powerful Odaiko. Each player communicates with the other using a rhythmic sixth sense to join as one.
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Tomoe
The Tomoe is an ancient symbol which originally came from China, signifying the three forces of Heaven, Earth and Man, related to the yin-yang. It is also the ancient Celtic Triskele symbol used to safeguard against evil, found in the Book of Kells. A melancholic Shinobue flute melody leads into a highly
choreographed piece, the three Tomoe drummers linking to create their own rhythmic trinity.
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Shichisan Stomp
A very modern piece using the funky Shichisan rhythm, featuring the Katsugi Oke carrying okedo drum, a popular taiko style originally developed from Korean Samul Nori drumming. A classic Mugenkyo stomper! |
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Ōdaiko
It takes great strength and stamina to play the huge Odaiko. Using every ounce of energy and with intense passion and focus, this is the Odaiko player’s personal battle to awaken and join with the spirit of the drum. |
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Phoenix
The Phoenix is the magical bird said to have risen from the ashes of the fire. It is the symbol of Fukui City, where the roots of the group lie. This piece is a tribute to their teacher Masaaki Kurumaya Sensei and his group Hibiki Daiko, and uses the hypnotic Shiburoku rhythm and the Tsubame Kaeshi cross-hands style, only played in the Fukui area. |
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Matsuri
Inspired by the summer festivals in the Hokuriku area, the is Mugenkyo’s own onstage celebration, using the happy Dondoko rhythm, Kagaribi fire bachi, shouts, organised chaos and even a baseball bat (!). Audience participation – clapping your hands, stamping your feet, shouting out – is as important as the performance of the drummers. So join in! |
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