Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments

Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments is William P. Malm’s classic survey of Japan’s musical heritage. This digital PDF edition presents the revised 2000 text in an instantly downloadable format. The book has remained a key reference for readers who want a clear and informed introduction to Japanese music.

First published in 1959, Malm’s study was among the first works of its kind in a Western language. This revised edition includes a CD of nineteen examples from the genres discussed in the book.

Book Overview

This volume explores the history of Japan’s musical life, from religious music to court music and the noh drama. Later chapters focus on the biwa, shakuhachi, koto, and shamisen, and the book closes with folk music, popular musical arts, and music of other ethnic groups in Japan. A detailed appendix covers notation systems.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• A brisk historical overview of Japan’s musical traditions
• Religious music, including Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian music
• The music of the noh drama and Japanese court music
• Instrumental music of the biwa, shakuhachi, koto, and shamisen
• Folk music, popular musical arts, and ethnic music in Japan
• An appendix on notation systems and a CD with nineteen musical examples

Why This Book Matters

William P. Malm wrote for both lay readers and musicologists, and that broad approach helped the book remain useful for decades. It offers comparisons with other musical traditions, East and West, along with drawings and photographs of players and instruments. This revised edition keeps a central text on Japanese music accessible to a new generation.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, so there is no physical shipping. The PDF becomes available after purchase and can be read on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible e-readers. Use a PDF reader or reading app to open the file on the device you prefer.

FAQ

How will I receive my ebook?
After purchase, your download link appears on the confirmation page and is sent to the email address used at checkout.

Will a physical copy be shipped?
No. This is a digital product, and no printed book or CD is mailed.

Which devices can I use to read it?
The PDF can be opened on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible e-readers with PDF support.

Download this digital edition today and explore a central work on traditional Japanese music.