gagaku

[ gah-gah-koo ]

noun

1. the select group of Japanese men who, as both dancers and musicians, perform the bugaku.
2. the style of music played to accompany the bugaku.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gagaku¹

< Japanese < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese yǎ elegant + yuè music; bugaku

Example Sentences

However, she soon began to see parallels with Japanese musical traditions, such as Gagaku, which is passed down through families and has been played in royal courts and Shinto religious ceremonies.

From BBC

In 1973 he wrote “In an Autumn Garden” for the ancient court gagaku orchestra and “Autumn,” a second work for shakuhachi and biwa soloists with orchestra.

From Los Angeles Times

Think of how radically dissimilar is the mindset required for hip hop and Gagaku, the ancient Japanese court music.

From Los Angeles Times

Five Shinto priests offered sake, rice and silk fabric and prayed inside tents as the traditional “gagaku” music played.

From Seattle Times

Five Shinto priests offered sake, rice and silk fabric and prayed inside tents as the traditional “gagaku” music played.

From Washington Times