Greetings and salutations Hivers. Today let's go into another Three Tune Tuesday post.

As always, thanks to @ablaze for making this series. Lots of people participate in it! Follow the tags to find a ton of good music recommendation.

Today, I want to introduce a traditional Japanese instrument: the hichiriki (篳篥). This is a short, double-reeded flute, giving it a sound somewhat similar to the oboe. In function, it is like an oboe, but depending on the notes played, it can sometimes resemble a clarinet or even a saxophone. It has an amazing, unique sound that is hard to categorize.

The hichiriki was traditionally played in gagaku—the court music of Japan. Today, it is perhaps most commonly heard in certain Shinto rituals, such as traditional weddings. Its tone is highly distinctive, and I’m sure it’s one you would immediately recognize. Even if you think you’ve never listened to Shinto rituals or Japanese court music, the hichiriki is often used in Western movies as a musical cue to signify a shift to a traditional Japanese setting. It’s likely you’ve heard it many times without realizing it.

The other day, I came across someone who uses this traditional instrument to cover modern songs. It’s pretty wild how good he is at it. Let’s take a look at some of his videos!

Bohemian Rhapsody / I Was Born to Love You

I'd say the second is better than the first, but he does a really good job with both. The fact that he keeps the traditional clothes on for most of the video just adds to the bizarre effect.

Stairway to Heaven

Not only the hichiriki here, but also two other traditional gagaku music instruments as well as a guitar. Wow. The guy is talented!

Amazing Grace

This one is really well done and is very beautiful. The instrument really lends itself well to these slow pieces.

Bonus: Auld Lang Syne

Seeing as how we are so close to the end of the year, this might be fitting.

So what's your favorite?

❦

David is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. He blogs here and at laspina.org. Write him on Twitter or Mastodon.