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koto
koto , a Japanese string instrument related in structure to the zither . It consists of an elongated rectangular wooden body, strung lengthwise with 7 to 13 silk strings. The uniformly long strings are tuned to one of several standard tunings by moveable wooden bridges. The koto is placed horizontally on the floor with the player seated behind it, and it is plucked with the fingernails or with a plectrum. The instrument was introduced to Japan in the 8th cent., and its present repertory has developed since the 16th cent. It is played solo and in duets, is used to accompany a singer to play in specific small ensembles. |
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"koto." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "koto." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-koto.html "koto." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-koto.html |
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koto
koto. 13-stringed Japanese psaltery, strs. being of waxed silk, tuned by movable bridges. 6′ in length, 3″ high and 9″ wide. Rests on floor, the right end being raised by 2 small legs. Player sits on his heels, plucking the strs. with right hand and using plectra on thumb and first 2 fingers, modifying pitch with left hand. Used in ritualistic mus. and regarded since 17th cent. as Japanese nat. instr.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "koto." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "koto." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-koto.html MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE. "koto." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music. 1996. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O76-koto.html |
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koto
koto •blotto, Giotto, grotto, lotto, motto, Otto, risotto, Watteau
•Cocteau
•molto, Sholto
•pronto, Toronto
•Ariosto
•auto, Oporto, Porto, quarto
•in toto, koto, Kumamoto, Kyoto, photo, Sesotho, Yamamoto
•Bhutto, Maputo, Pluto, prosciutto, ritenuto, sostenuto, tenuto
•Cousteau • putto • gusto • Pashto
•undertow • Erato
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Cite this article
"koto." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "koto." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-koto.html "koto." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-koto.html |
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