蜜芽传媒

An explanation of the use of pentatonic scales in Japanese music, demonstrated by the shakuhachi flute. Includes an extract from a performance of 'Shika No Tohne' which describes a scene in deep autumn when the voice of the male deer calls for the female. The shakuhachi player, Clive Bell, explains Japanese music is based on the use of pentatonic scales. The player uses only a limited number of notes, but there are many other aspects to his playing. Every player has their own distinctive style. Bell favours a breathy tone and makes considerable use of bending notes up and down in pitch.