Hichiriki

Hichiriki
Classification Double reed
Related instruments

The hichiriki (篳篥) is a double reed Japanese fue (flute) used as one of two main melodic instruments in gagaku music.[citation needed] It is one of the "sacred" instruments and is often heard at Shinto weddings in Japan.[citation needed] Its sound is often described as haunting.[1][2]

The hichiriki is derived from the Chinese guan, which was imported into Japan during the Tang dynasty. According to scholars, the hichiriki emerged after the 12th century when the popularity of the Chinese melodies in Japan called tōgaku waned.[3]

  1. ^ Nakamura, Ryoko Maria (2002-12-29). "Hideki Togi out to gagaku your world". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
  2. ^ Renouf, Renee (2002-12-30). "Kuan Yin: Our Lady of Compassion" (PDF). ballet.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-03-23. [dead link]
  3. ^ Picken, Laurence E. R.; Nickson, Noël J. (2007). Music from the Tang Court: Volume 7: Some Ancient Connections Explored. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. p. 28. ISBN 978-0-521-54336-1.