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- Kuroda Bushi -

黒田節

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This is a Min'yo piece from the Min'yo school .

History (from Takahashi Yujiro)
The title, "Song of Kuroda", is a pun on the homophonous "samurai of Kuroda". The Kuroda clan once held northern Kyushu, whose culture was heavily influenced by court nobles who had fled there in the 12th century. The song's tune derives from the best-known court instrumental piece "Etenraku".
Verse 1 commemorates a supposed event of 1590. The shogun Hideyoshi had just presented a famed spear to his general Masanori. The Kuroda warrior Mori Tahei then arrived with a message for Masanori, who insisted that Tahei join him in a celebratory drink. Forbidden to drink "on duty", he refused; Masanori insisted, and finally offered him a gift of his choice if he would drink. Tahei drank - and claimed the spear! - Verse 2 reaches back to the 12th century: the emperor's concubine had, through court intrigue, been banished to a hidden hut in the woods. The monarch sent a servant to find her. From a distance, he heard her playing on her koto zither a tune that confirmed she still loved her man.

Drink, drink sake! If you drink, you'll win this, the best spear in all Japan.
If you drink enough to win it, you're a true Kuroda samurai.
Is it a storm in the mountains, or the wind in the pines, or the person I'm seeking
playing the koto? Stopping his horse to listen, [he heard] the clear sounds of the
plectrums playing "Longing for Her Husband".

Kuroda Bushi appears on the following albums:



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