The biwa, a pear-shaped, wooden lute, is played using a triangular plectrum. With no structured tuning, the instrument is adjusted to complement the player's voice, allowing for a highly personalized music. This program showcases the sounds of one of Japan's oldest stringed instruments through performances by Yoshiko Sakata, a noted biwa player and composer who plays both traditional songs and original compositions. (48 minutes, color)

 

Item #: 30230 Format: DVD Price: $165

Prices include public performance rights
Available only in the United States and Canada.
Copyright date: 2003