Nagauta is a type of shamisen music classified as Utaimono (songs). Nagauta originated as accompaniment for Kabuki Buyo (dance), and developed in the period from end of the Kyoho era [1716-1736] to the Horeki era [1751-1764]. At present, much Geza music is Nagauta, so Nagauta provides a large percentage of the expression by sound in Kabuki.
 |
 |
The accompaniment players are divided into Utakata (singers) and Shamisenkata (shamisen players). The accompaniment for Buyo (dance) is performed on stage. The Utakata are seated in a row from the Shimote (stage right, audience's left) and the Shamisenkata are seated from the Kamite (stage left, audience's right) on a long tiered stand called Hinadan, which is covered by red felt. The kind of shamisen used for Nagauta is called hosozao (thin neck). It produces high tones and is suitable for playing delicate melodies.
<Typical Nagauta Buyo>
