For a time, from 1878, the Japanese government sought to establish
American methods of singing in the public schools, and through foreign
intercourse generally the national
system is being much modified.
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Fig. 13.—Japanese Kotos.
Japanese instruments are in general replicates of the Chinese, but with many variations of detail and usually with greater external beauty.
Notable types are the 'koto,' a
large zither with 6-13 silk strings,
and the 'samisen,' a lute with 3
strings. The 'kokiu' corresponds
to the Chinese 'ur-heen,' the 'biwa'
to the 'pipa,' the 'hyokin' to the
'yang-kin,' the 'sho' to the 'cheng,'
etc.
12. India.—The details of
Hindu music are better known
than those of Chinese. Evidently
from the time of the Aryan
immigrations (c. 2000 B.C.) much
attention has been paid to the
art. But, since India has been
repeatedly invaded and even
subjugated by foreign peoples,
and has been for ages in close
commercial relation with Western
countries, no one can say
what of its music is original.
Native legends attribute the gift
of music to the gods, and mythical
and mystical notions are frequent
in musical nomenclature and writing.
References to music abound
in the old literature, and musical
treatises have been accumulating
for centuries. Theorizing about
music has run to incredible intricacies.
Music exists chiefly in the form of popular song or as an
accompaniment for dancing. In religious ceremony it is less
