The SHAKUHACHI is a Japanese bamboo flute, and was played by the Komuso monks, while walking through the streets of Edo period Japan.
The Honkyoku repertoire (original sacred repertoire) consists of 36 pieces collected in the 18th century by Kinko Kurosawa I, and constitute the core repertoire of the instrument. Apart from the Honkyoku, modern composers are more and more interested in the expressive capabilities of the shakuhachi.
The SHAKUHACHI is much more than just a musical instrument: it is a tool for meditation. Legend has it that the Komuso, samurai monks in traditional Japan, would use it for the practice of Suizen (blowing zen), an alternative to the more widely known Zazen (sitting zen).
Actual historical evidence of the practice of Suizen by the Komuso is widely disputed by modern scholars, but the concept itself can be used in a very effective way as a powerful tool to enhance your practice. The ritualisation of technical exercises, together with an awareness of breathing and of the passing of time will add a sense of accomplishment and new spiritual dimensions to your playing and to your life.
All levels are accepted: beginner, intermediate or advanced.
Traditional kinko notation or western staff notation can be used (or no notation at all!).
You can have classes on a regular basis or have an occasional class on a specific piece/subject.
The price is 40€ for a 60 minute lesson, payable through PayPal.
Lessons in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
Cesar Viana learned the Honkyoku repertoire with Keisuke Zenyoji. He was a finalist on the Hogaku International Shakuhachi Competition, held during the World Shakuhachi Festival - London 2018, and is a well known performer and composer.
Cesar plays traditional honkyoku repertoire and contemporary music for solo shakuhachi or with piano or ensemble.
Besides playing the shakuhachi since 2002, Cesar Viana is a composer, a flutist, a conductor and a musicologist. His music is played worldwide and he has recorded for EMI classics, BMG, Philips, RCA, Strauss, Bajja records, Xerais and Resonare. Cesar Viana’s interests range from medieval music to contemporary, from the Japanese shakuhachi to the Arab Oud, from baroque to sefardic music… All these elements are part of his daily musical practice and have a decisive importance on his compositions. Currently he teaches music composition at Centro Superior Katarina Gurska (Madrid).
more info:
www.cesarviana.net