Abstract
A study was performed to clarify the relationship between basic movements and respiration patterrn in Kyogen, a Japanese traditional performing art. The subjects were three professional Kyogen actors (Oukura-ryu, Yamamoto-ke), with performing careers of 10, 19 and 53 years, respectively. The latter subject had been designated an important intangible cultural property. The subjects were asked to perform four typical Shosa (kata) at three speeds and three Komai-a chain of dance movements. We recorded the respiration curve using a rubber strain gauge placed on the actor's thorax, and observed the relationship between movements and respiration phase, cycle, and ratio of inspiration time to expiration time. The results were as follows:Shosa (kata)Subj.10-year career : Regardless of movement speed, the respiration phases were harmonized, which is a typical feature of sports performance.Subj.53-year carrer : In all shosa, the respiration phases were independent of movements. However the respiration cycle and the ratio of inspiration time to expiration time were proportional to the speed of movement. Subj.19-year career : The subject showed features intermediate between those of the subjects with 10- and 53-year careers. Komai Subjs.with 19-and 53-year careers : The respiration curve was independent of movement, and appeared similar to that during the singing of "Utai" music by Jiutai actors. It was found that the the respiration curves between basic movements and the respiration pattern in Kyogen gradually changed from harmonization to separation, according to the actor's skill. However, during performance of "Utai", the respiration pattern was harmonized with the "Utali" melody.
