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What is a Biwa Musical Instrument?
The Biwa is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body, a short neck, and four to five strings stretched over frets. The instrument’s back is often slightly curved, enhancing its acoustic properties. It is played with a large plectrum and produces a distinctive, resonant sound.
In this beginners guide, we’ll explore the question “what is a Biwa musical instrument” by examining what it sounds like, how it’s played, its long history, its popularity, how its made, and also explore some of the great tunes and compositions it has produced. To get us started lets take a listen to the sound of the instrument.
What does a Biwa Sound Like?
The Biwa produces a deep, resonant sound with a rich timbre that varies from hauntingly melodious to dramatically percussive, capturing the essence of traditional Japanese music.
To experience the captivating sound of the Biwa watch the video below:
Biwa Instrument Facts
- Typically, Biwas weigh around 1 to 2 kilograms, varying with size and material.
- Dimensions can differ, but a standard Biwa is usually about 70 to 100 centimeters long.
- Players of the Biwa are referred to as “Biwa hōshi” when they perform narrative chanting.
- The Biwa belongs to the chordophone category in the Hornbostel–Sachs system, classified as a lute.
- Some Biwas can be quite expensive, especially antique or custom-made instruments, reaching thousands of dollars.
- The strings were traditionally made from silk but are now often nylon or other modern materials.
How to Play the Biwa Instrument
To play the Japanese Biwa, the musician sits with the instrument held vertically, using a large plectrum known as a “bachi” to strike or pluck the strings.
The bachi’s size and the force with which it is used play crucial roles in the dynamics and timbre of the produced sound, allowing for a wide range of expressive capabilities.
The player’s left hand manipulates the strings along the instrument’s fretted neck, altering pitches and creating melodies.
The Biwa’s strings, traditionally made from silk and now often from nylon or other synthetic materials, vibrate when plucked, transmitting sound through the bridge to the resonant body.
This body, typically made of mulberry wood, amplifies the vibrations, producing the instrument’s characteristic sound. The material and shape of the body significantly influence the tonal quality, with the pear-shaped design contributing to the Biwa’s warm and resonant sound.
The instrument’s frets, raised above the neck, allow for precise control over pitch and intonation, enabling the player to perform a variety of musical scales and modes essential to traditional Japanese music.
The interaction between the bachi’s striking motion and the carefully crafted strings and Biwa body creates its distinctive musical tone, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions.
Different Types of Biwa Instrument to Learn
There are several types of the Biwa instrument, each catering to different musical tastes and performance settings. Below is a list of the different types of Biwa you may come accross, along with a brief description of their advantages and challenges.
Gaku biwa
Traditionally used in gagaku, Japanese court music, this type offers a deep, ceremonial sound.
- Pro: Ideal for classical and ensemble performances.
- Con: May be less versatile for solo or contemporary genres.
Mōsō biwa
Associated with Buddhist chanting, it features a meditative, resonant tone.
- Pro: Offers a spiritual and deep sound suitable for religious and meditative music.
- Con: Specific niche limits its application in wider musical contexts.
Heike biwa
Known for narrating the “Tale of the Heike,” it has a dynamic range suited for storytelling.
- Pro: Rich in cultural heritage, ideal for narrative performances.
- Con: Requires specific knowledge and practice to master the storytelling technique.
Satsuma biwa
Famous for its use in folk music, it has a robust, earthy sound.
- Pro: Versatile for a range of music styles, especially folk.
- Con: Might lack the refinement needed for classical or court music.
Chikuzen biwa
Offers a modern approach with a broader musical range.
- Pro: Adaptable to both traditional and contemporary music.
- Con: May require more advanced skills to fully exploit its versatility.
Musical Origins of the Biwa
The name “Biwa” originates from the ancient Persian instrument called the “Barbat,” which made its way to Japan through the Silk Road. Upon its arrival, the Japanese adapted both the instrument and its name, eventually calling it “Biwa.”
The Biwa’s journey from its early introduction to Japan through to the present day showcases its evolution from a courtly instrument to an all-round instrument used in both traditional and contemporary Japanses music.
| Era/Period | Development |
|---|---|
| 7th-8th Century | The Biwa is introduced to Japan from China, influenced by the Persian Barbat. |
| 8th-12th Century | Gains popularity as a court instrument, with variations like the Gakubiwa used in gagaku. |
| 12th-16th Century | The Heikebiwa becomes prominent for narrative storytelling, particularly “The Tale of the Heike.” |
| 17th-19th Century | Further diversification, with the Satsumabiwa and Chikuzenbiwa developing for folk and samurai music. |
| 20th Century-Present | Modern adaptations see the Biwa used in a variety of genres, from traditional to contemporary compositions. Innovations include the use of synthetic materials for strings and picks. |
Famous Biwa Players
The Japanese Biwa has been mastered by numerous musicians whose contributions have significantly shaped its long musical legacy. Here are five celebrated Biwa musicians, each renowned for their mastery and innovation.
Kinshi Tsuruta
Hailing from Japan, Tsuruta is revered for her mastery of the Satsumabiwa, and her ability to blend traditional Japanese music with modern compositions. Her collaboration with composer Toru Takemitsu brought the Biwa to the forefront of contemporary classical music, expanding its audience and repertoire.
Yoshiko Sakata
A distinguished Japanese musician, Sakata is celebrated for her virtuosity on the Chikuzenbiwa. Her performances and recordings have played a pivotal role in introducing the Biwa’s unique sound to international audiences.
Jiuta Master Togi Masataro
Masataro was a central figure in the preservation of Gagaku, the ancient court music of Japan. His expertise on the Gakubiwa, a version of the Biwa used in Gagaku, helped keep this historic musical form alive for future generations.
Yamazaki Kyokusui
An influential Biwa player, Kyokusui specialized in the narrative style associated with the Heikebiwa. His dedication to the art of musical storytelling has left a lasting impact on the tradition, keeping the epic tales of Japan resonant and relevant.
Sugawara Kengyo
A blind musician and composer, Kengyo contributed significantly to the Mōsōbiwa tradition. His compositions and innovative playing style have enriched the Biwa’s repertoire, demonstrating its expressive potential beyond its traditional narrative role.
Notable Biwa Compositions
The Biwa’s repertoire is rich and diverse, embodying centuries of Japanese musical tradition and storytelling. Here are ten traditional works and compositions that serve as a gateway to understanding and appreciating the depth and breadth of music produced by this remarkable instrument.
- “Heike Monogatari”: An epic narrative dating back to the 13th century, this piece recounts the struggle between the Taira and Minamoto clans. It showcases the Biwa’s role in narrative storytelling, with its music enhancing the epic’s emotional depth.
- “Genpei Jōsuiki”: Another narrative piece, this composition tells of the Genpei war’s aftermath. Though the exact date of composition is uncertain, its performance is deeply rooted in the Heikebiwa tradition, illustrating the instrument’s capacity for dramatic storytelling.
- “Rokudan no Shirabe” by Yatsuhashi Kengyo (17th century): A masterpiece of koto music often played on the Biwa, this piece demonstrates the instrument’s versatility and its integration into ensemble settings.
- “Satsuma Biwa” music, which emerged in the late 16th century, comprises various pieces that reflect the Satsuma region’s history and culture. These compositions highlight the Biwa’s role in expressing regional identity and historical narratives.
- “Chikuzen Biwa” music represents a collection from the 18th century that focuses on the Chikuzen style, known for its lyrical beauty and technical prowess, offering listeners a sense of the instrument’s solo capabilities.
- “Tsuru no Sugomori” (Nesting Cranes): Although primarily a shakuhachi piece, its adaptations for the Biwa underscore the instrument’s adaptability to different musical expressions, evoking images of nature with delicate soundscapes.
- “Shin-Yojo Bushi”: A traditional song that exemplifies the Mōsōbiwa’s use in Buddhist chanting. Its serene and meditative qualities illustrate the Biwa’s role in religious and spiritual contexts.
- “Godan Ginuta” (19th century): This piece is a technical showcase for the Biwa, combining the rhythmic complexity of traditional Japanese music with the expressive possibilities of the instrument.
- “Azuma Jishi” (Lion of the East): A traditional piece that has been adapted for various Japanese instruments, including the Biwa. It highlights the instrument’s ability to convey the power and grace of the lion dance, a staple of Japanese festivals.
- Contemporary compositions for Biwa: Composers like Toshiro Mayuzumi and Toru Takemitsu have written for the Biwa in the 20th century, blending its traditional sounds with modern musical elements. These works invite listeners to explore the instrument’s evolving role in the contemporary music scene.
The Biwa in Popular Culture
While it might not headline the charts, the Biwa’s unique timbre has subtly embellished several compositions in film, TV, and even rock music. Here are some notable examples to listen out for.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
One notable instance is its use in the soundtrack of “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” (2013), composed by Joe Hisaishi. Hisaishi’s masterful integration of the Biwa into the film’s score adds depth to the storytelling, enveloping the audience in the rich tapestry of ancient Japan. The instrument’s melancholic resonance enhances the emotional landscape of this animated masterpiece.
Yoshitsune
In the realm of television, the Biwa’s sound has been employed to evoke a sense of historical authenticity and emotional gravity. For instance, its use in the Japanese historical drama series “Yoshitsune” (2005) underscores the dramatic intensity of the samurai era. The composer, Michiru Oshima, skillfully uses the Biwa to bridge the gap between the historical setting and the contemporary audience.
Popular rock music
The influence of the Biwa also extends to popular rock music, albeit more subtly. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s collaboration with David Sylvian on “Forbidden Colours” (1983) for the film “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” features elements inspired by traditional Japanese music, including the Biwa. Although not prominently featured, its influence is felt in the song’s hauntingly beautiful arrangement, showcasing the instrument’s versatility.
Kodo’s album “Ibuki”
In the progressive rock scene, the band Kodo’s album “Ibuki” (1996) melds the powerful beats of Taiko drums with the ethereal sounds of the Biwa. This crossover appeal demonstrates the Biwa’s capacity to adapt and thrive within various musical genres.
Instruments Similar to a Biwa
The Biwa musical instrument, with its distinctive shape and sound, shares lineage and characteristics with several other traditional stringed instruments from around the world.
Here are five instruments closely related to the Biwa, showcasing the rich variety of stringed instruments across different cultures.
Pipa
The Pipa is a four-stringed Chinese lute with a pear-shaped body, bearing a strong resemblance to the Biwa. Its history spans over two thousand years, and it’s known for its expressive range and the intricate finger techniques employed by players. The Pipa’s repertoire includes both traditional Chinese compositions and contemporary works.
Oud
Originating from the Middle East, the Oud is considered a precursor to many European and Asian lutes, including the Biwa. It has a rounded body, a short neck without frets, and typically 11 to 13 strings. The Oud is highly regarded for its warm, rich sound and is central to Arabic, Turkish, and Persian music.
Lute
The European Lute, prominent during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, shares structural features with the Biwa, including the rounded back and fretted neck. It played a key role in European music for centuries, known for its delicate and complex sound. The Lute’s design has varied over time, adapting to different musical styles and preferences.
Sitar
The Indian Sitar, a plucked string instrument from India, is distinguished by its long neck, numerous strings (typically 18 to 20), and gourd-shaped resonator. While structurally different from the Biwa, the Sitar shares the principle of string resonance to produce its iconic, melodious drones and intricate melodies, central to Indian classical music.
Tambura
The Tambura, found in both Southeast Europe and India, serves primarily as a drone instrument in music performances. Its long neck and string configuration vary by region, but its role in providing a harmonic base links it to the Biwa’s function in Japanese court music. The Tambura’s sound enriches the musical backdrop, allowing soloists to explore melodic intricacies.
