キリシタン音楽
その研究の可能性
1990 年 1990 巻 55 号 p. 157-162,L17
詳細
1990 年 1990 巻 55 号 p. 157-162,L17
During the somewhat less than one century between the mid 1500's and the early 1600's, Japan was influenced by Western music largely through the missionary efforts of Portuguese Jesuits. Research on this ‘Kirishitan’ (from the Portuguese) music has until now focussed largely on two aspects: 1. clarification of the types of music that were introduced (types of instruments, etc.); and 2. the influence of Western music on Japanese music. However, a range of other possibilities for research should be possible if we view this period in terms of contact with a foreign culture; this report examines the following possibilities:
1. The use of the so-called ‘Nanban-shiryo, ’ letters and the like sent by the missionaries to their homeland describing the situation in Japan, as material for conducting research on Japanese music of the time.
2. The attitude of the Japanese towards the West differed greatly between the Christian period and the Meiji era, and it follows that their approach to Western music differed as well. It should hence be possible to undertake a comparative study of the Japanese reception of Western music during the two periods.
3. Music in the various Christian mission fields throughout the world can be researched from the perspective of contact with a foreign culture, and the results of such individual studies can be brought together in comparative studies.
4. Study can be made of the process of change to be seen in the uta-orasho, sung orations, of the Hidden Christians of Ikitsuki, a small island near Hirado, off the northwest coast of Kyushu. An examination of the reasons for such change may prove valuable in providing an understanding of the problems faced by performing arts transmitted in localities throughout the country.
The Christian period itself was not particularly long, but it was a time when Japan came into contact with a completely different culture. It is hoped that discussion of the four possibilities for research outlined above may lead to more extensive research on the distinctive and specific characteristics of this period.
