is a kind of traditional Japanese music played on the and used in kabuki theater, primarily to accompany dance and to provide reflective interludes.[1]
It is uncertain when the was first integrated into kabuki, but it was sometime during the 17th century; Malm argues that it was probably before 1650.
The first reference to as music appears in the second volume of (1703).
By the 18th century, the had become an established instrument in kabuki, when the basic forms and classifications of crystallized as a combination of different styles stemming from the music popular during the Edo period. is considered a subset of .[2] [3]
Many of the "classic" repertoire was composed in the 19th century, which is the time of the best-known composers as well. Many pieces are based on Noh theater, partly due to the number of kabuki plays derived from Noh theater pieces, and many were revived during the 19th century. There is evidence of the influence of Japanese folk music on too.
During the 19th century, (concert) developed as a style of composed for non-kabuki, non-dance performances in which a performer's skill was emphasized. Two classic compositions of are (1818) and (1845).
In the 20th century, a number of composers have integrated Western elements into styles, including playing the at a faster tempo, in violin cadenza style, or by using larger ensembles to increase the volume. is the basis of the Nagauta Symphony, a symphony in one movement composed in 1934 by composer Kosaku Yamada.