Demystified: The Ma of Sound and Silence
Online Workshop Series, commencing September 29th
Ma and breathing are essential to both the performative and spiritual dimensions of shakuhachi honkyoku. However, comprehensive discussions on the silences and breaths in honkyoku are scarce, with much of the existing information being incomplete or inaccurate.
In a tradition as ancient as shakuhachi honkyoku, new insights are rare. However, through nearly fifteen years of graduate research, including a Masters in Shakuhachi Performance at Tokyo Geidai and a PhD in Ethnomusicology at the University of Melbourne, Lindsay has developed a new structural theory. This theory uncovers a distinct pattern in the ma of sound and silence, with deep implications for timing, rhythm, expression, and interpretation of honkyoku. The questions driving this research arose from more than two decades of Lindsay's experience in playing KSK and Kinko-ryu repertoire. The answers directly concern understanding and performing honkyoku.
Through a series of four sessions, Lindsay presents the groundbreaking findings of his research into ma, honkyoku structure, and interpretation. His approach reveals a deeply entangled relationship between sound and silence, and shows how ma permeates honkyoku at every level from micro to macro. You will discover how ma can both shape and be shaped by your personal approach to performance and interpretation.
In each session, you'll learn new concepts and terminology, many of which may feel intuitively familiar because they are rooted in real-life performance. These insights come from analysing actual performances by renowned players, including Watazumi and Yokoyama. The knowledge on offer is both innovative and grounded in tradition.
This series includes a total of four sessions:
Session 1: Ma of sound and silence
In the first session, Lindsay will outline the structural theory and an approach to performing ma, and then you will learn how to practically apply it in Hon Shirabe and Hifumi Hachigaeshi. This session is crucial for understanding the content of the subsequent sessions.
Session 2: Ma - Breathing and Rhythm
In the second session, we will examine inhalations and the effect of breath on timing and expression, and also look at an important rhythmic structure present in many honkyoku, tatami-komi ('convolution' rhythm). Hon Shirabe and San'ya ('mountain valley' version) will serve as the base pieces for applying ideas about breathing and rhythm.
Session 3: Interpretation 1 - Rhythm and interpretation of phrases
In the third session, we will look at rhythm and interpretation at the micro-level of individual phrases. Ma within phrases is entwined with variations in interpretation. San'ya ('mountain valley' version) will be the focal piece.
Session 4: Interpretation 2 - Rhythm and interpretation of sections
In the fourth and final session, we will look at rhythm and interpretation at the level of sections: the meso-level (consisting of multiple phrases), and the macro-level (larger sections, such as takane, which may consist of multiple meso-level sections). We will continue to work with San'ya to delve further into the expression of this profoundly quiet honkyoku piece.
Workshop materials
Scores and recordings will be provided upon registration. Over the four workshops, we'll be using the KSK scores for Hon Shirabe, Hifumi Hachigaeshi, and San'ya ('mountain valley' version).
Level
This workshop is best suited to those who are learning honkyoku and are familiar with reading Kinko notation system (ro-tsu-re).
Although this workshop does not cater specifically to absolute beginners or those not yet learning honkyoku, beginners who interested in participating may join in at a discounted rate. Contact Lindsay directly if interested.
Schedule
Each session will be run in an AM and PM slot for the convenience of folks living in various time zones. The AM and PM slots will contain the same content.
Session 1: Sunday September 29th
10:00 - 12:15 AEST
16:30 - 18:45 AEST
Session 2: Sunday October 13th
10:00 - 12:15 AEDT
16:30 - 18:45 AEDT
Session 3: Saturday October 26th
10:00 - 12:15 AEDT
16:30 - 18:45 AEDT
Session 4: Sunday November 10th
10:00 - 12:15 AEDT
16:30 - 18:45 AEDT
Please note:
- Due to daylight savings time changes in Australia, only the first session is AEST. All October sessions are AEDT.
- All sessions are held on Sundays except for the third session, which is held on a Saturday (October 26th).
Cost
The registration fee for each session is $60/70 AUD (ASS members/non-members). You'll need to register separately for each session.
Registration
Using the PayPal link below, please select according to your preference for AM or PM slot and membership status. You will be contacted with further information soon after registration.
