Mirage

A yearning shinobue flute melody and shimmering gongs float across the landscape, beckoning us to the other side...

 

Tomoe

A symbol which originally came from ancient China, signifying the three forces of Heaven, Earth and Man, with a parallel symbol in ancient Celtic mythology - the Triskele - used to safeguard against misfortune. In this tightly choreographed piece, the drummers link together to create their own eternal trinity.

Onsen

Based on a traditional style of playing, using bamboo bachi drumsticks to beat out a strong base rhythm with improvised solos layered over the top. Originally played at the “onsen” hot spring resorts of Ishikawa, this style is rarely seen outside of this small corner of western Japan.

Shishi

Inspired by our collaboration with Hanayui in 2005, and from the “Shishi Odori” lion dance. A grooving base beat, off-beat accents and hypnotic cymbal crashes.

 

 

Ikkyo
(One Vibration)

Complex interplay between the low nagado sounds and the high-pitched shime sounds, joining together to create One Vibration. A Mugenkyo classic.

 

Tojimbo

The fast and furious mitsu-uchi rhythm of this intense & energetic piece rises and falls like the rough waves of the wild Japan sea, at the famed outcrop of rocks in western Japan which inspired this piece.

Otherworld

A modern collision of culture. Didgeridoo, gong, atmospheric drum beats and masked dance create an otherworldly soundscape to call up the spirit within the drum. Taiko is used at the festival of spirits, Obon, with rites and beliefs similar to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhuin (Halloween).

 

Reflection
on Still
Water

A delicate and expressive shinobue bamboo flute solo.

Fudoshin

The state of mental clarity and integration of body and mind in which a player is capable of using their full potential of KI energy is called Fudoshin. It literally means “move nothing heart”, also practiced in martial arts. Playing with full power on the odaiko big drum, the players communicate with one another using a rhythmic sixth sense to join as one.

Todoroki

A modern composition by Mugenkyo, the “rumble of thunder” - an electrifying taiko symphony using the fast mitsu-uchi rhythm, which builds into a thundering crescendo.

 

Shichisan
Stomp

One of the latest additions to the Mugenkyo set & a classic stomper, playfully using the “katsugi oke” carrying okedo drum with the funky shichisan rhythm.

Odaiko

It takes great strength, stamina and concentration to play the huge odaiko. With intense passion and using every ounce of energy, this is the odaiko player’s personal battle to awaken and join with the spirit of the drum.

 

Matsuri