The Gei of Geisha: Music, Identity and Meaning

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music
Cover of the book The Gei of Geisha: Music, Identity and Meaning by KellyM. Foreman, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: KellyM. Foreman ISBN: 9781351544085
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: KellyM. Foreman
ISBN: 9781351544085
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The Japanese geisha is an international icon, known almost universally as a symbol of traditional Japan. Numerous books exist on the topic, yet this is the first to focus on the 'gei' of geisha - the art that constitutes their title (gei translates as fine art, sha refers to person). Kelly M. Foreman brings together ethnomusicological field research, including studying and performing the shamisen among geisha in Tokyo, with historical research. The book elaborates how musical art is an essential part of the identity of the Japanese geisha rather than a secondary feature, and locates current practice within a tradition of two and half centuries. The book opens by deconstructing the idea of 'geisha' as it functions in Western societies in order to understand why gei has been, and continues to be, neglected in geisha studies. Subsequent chapters detail the myriad musical genres and traditions with which geisha have been involved during their artistic history, as well as their position within the traditional arts society. Considering the current situation more closely, the final chapters explore actual dedication to art today by geisha, and analyse how they create impromptu performances at evening banquets. An important issue here is geisha-patron artistic collaboration, which leads to consideration of what Foreman argues to be the unique and essential nexus of identity, eroticism and aesthetics within the geisha world.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Japanese geisha is an international icon, known almost universally as a symbol of traditional Japan. Numerous books exist on the topic, yet this is the first to focus on the 'gei' of geisha - the art that constitutes their title (gei translates as fine art, sha refers to person). Kelly M. Foreman brings together ethnomusicological field research, including studying and performing the shamisen among geisha in Tokyo, with historical research. The book elaborates how musical art is an essential part of the identity of the Japanese geisha rather than a secondary feature, and locates current practice within a tradition of two and half centuries. The book opens by deconstructing the idea of 'geisha' as it functions in Western societies in order to understand why gei has been, and continues to be, neglected in geisha studies. Subsequent chapters detail the myriad musical genres and traditions with which geisha have been involved during their artistic history, as well as their position within the traditional arts society. Considering the current situation more closely, the final chapters explore actual dedication to art today by geisha, and analyse how they create impromptu performances at evening banquets. An important issue here is geisha-patron artistic collaboration, which leads to consideration of what Foreman argues to be the unique and essential nexus of identity, eroticism and aesthetics within the geisha world.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Family Investments in Children's Potential by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book The Gendered Score: Music in 1940s Melodrama and the Woman's Film by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Health and Political Engagement by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book The History and Politics of UN Security Council Reform by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Aspects of Roman History 31 BC-AD 117 by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book The Ashgate Research Companion to Modern Theory, Modern Power, World Politics by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Mapping Terrorism Research by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Kinanthropometry and Exercise Physiology by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Advancing a Different Modernism by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Travel, Space, Architecture by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Essential Korean Reader by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Making Invisible Latino Adolescents Visible by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book Curriculum Leadership Development by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book The Healthy Edit by KellyM. Foreman
Cover of the book From Science to Emancipation by KellyM. Foreman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy