The International Shakuhachi Society
- Iso Chidori -
磯千鳥
This is a Jiuta piece in the Tegotomono style from the Ikuta Ryű school . This piece was composed for koto by Yaezaki Kengyo . This piece was composed for shamisen by Kikuoka Kengyo .
History (from Tsuge Gen'ichi)
A typical example of the Kyoto style tegoto-mono genre which thrived during the first half of the nineteenth century. This piece was originally composed for voice and shamisen as a jiuta; however, later it was arranged by Yaezaki Kengyo (1766?-1848) of Kyoto, as a jiuta-sokyoku piece with an elaborate koto part, since then this version has become popular.
The title Isochidori means a 'beach plover,' and is taken from the last word of the text. The song deals with the disappointed love of a betrayed bride and the transience of this world. Because of its sorrowful mood, this piece is sometimes used in Japan for performance in memory of the departed.
Poem (translated by Tsuge Gen'ichi)
My uneasy doze
Was broken at dawn
By the temple bell.
Indeed to what can I compare
This world
Of empty wishes?
In Tomorrow River
Yesterday's deep pool
Is today's shoal.
Despite the vicissitudes of life
We took the pledge of eternal love.
But unawares
I have been adrift,
A floating boat without a rudder,
Can I find shelter
In the white waves?
Are they drops from a pole?
A rain of tears?
Drenching my robe
Drenching my robe through.
The chilly coastal wind
Pierces my body this morning-
Does the beach plover too
Cry in despair?
Iso Chidori appears on the following albums:
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