Gagaku
/ɡəˈɡɑːkuː/noun
A traditional form of Japanese imperial court music combining instrumental, vocal, and dance traditions.
Did you know?Gagaku preserves musical traditions introduced to Japan from China, Korea, and other parts of Asia during the seventh and eighth centuries, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously performed orchestral traditions.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
雅樂 (yǎyuè)
““Elegant” or “refined music,” the formal ceremonial music of the court.”
7th–8th Century
Middle Chinese
雅樂
“Court and ritual music transmitted across East Asia, including to Japan.”
Nara Period
Japanese
gagaku (雅楽)
“Japanese reading of 雅楽, referring to imported and adapted court music.”
Heian Period
Japanese
gagaku
“Music maintained and systematized by the Japanese imperial court, often accompanying ceremonial dances.”
Modern English
English
gagaku
“A Japanese court-music tradition performed in ceremonial and concert settings.”