Colors of Voice, Colors of Wind

Thousands of years of Buddhism have given rise to a number of forms of expression for this great culture, of which the Shomyo song tradition is a leading example. The tradition arose initially in India and China before being brought to Japan in the 6th and 7th centuries. It is part of the Buddhist ritual and is practised by monks as a means of meditation and aiding memory.

Shomyo singing is celebrated alternately by soloists and chorus. As a rule, instruments do not feature. The texts are sutras, short aphoristic teachings and eulogies. The notes are sung out at great length. The meaning of the words dissolves along with the perception of time. Attention shifts to the inner rhythm, the frequency of breath and the heartbeat. The highest levels of concentration and collection of the spirit are aspired to.

Shichiseikai are an association of specially trained monks. Under the directorship of Hiroshi Nakagawa, they are engaged in researching and developing Shomyo as an independent art form, which can also be performed independently of religious contexts. Their appearance at the Ruhrtriennale will be Shichiseikai’s first ever performance in Germany.

The evening begins with a performance from Toshimitsu Ishikawa. This musician from Osaka is one of the world’s leading players of the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. The music is played in free rhythms and, like Shomyo, it has been developed into a unique idiom over centuries by monks.

 

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Shichiseikai – Peace And Welfare (Gobai)

From the album »Tengewajun (Peace on Earth)«

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