Gagaku, Court Music and Dance
New York, Tokyo and Kyoto: Weatherhill/Tankosha, (1971). Profusely illustrated in color and many black and white photos. Stated First Edition. Performing Arts of Japan: V. 8vo. 8-1/2" x 6-3/16". Beige blind stamped buckram. 207 pp. Previous owner's bookplate on free front endpaper. Otherwise very good to fine condition. / Dust jacket is a little faded along spine and top edge. Otherwise condition is fine. Item #1088
This book introduces Gagaku from the viewpoint of the general reader who wishes to know the essential facts about it. The approach is mainly a visual one, as the generous selection of illustrations makes clear. Musicians and dancers, scenes from Gagaku performances, masks, costumes, musical instruments, paintings from Gagaku history - all these are pictured here to complement a pleasantly informative text that traces the development of Gagaku, explains its orchestral and dance techniques, interprets its aesthetics, and re-creates for the reader the atmosphere in which it is performed.
Price: $16.00