Page:Pratt - The history of music (1907).djvu/40



For a time, from 1878, the Japanese government sought to establish American methods of singing in the public schools, and through foreign intercourse generally the national system is being much modified.

13.—Japanese Kotos.

Japanese instruments are in general replicates of the Chinese, but with many variations of detail and usually with greater external beauty.

Notable types are the 'koto,' a large zither with 6-13 silk strings, and the 'samisen,' a lute with 3 strings. The 'kokiu' corresponds to the Chinese 'ur-heen,' the 'biwa' to the 'pipa,' the 'hyokin' to the 'yang-kin,' the 'sho' to the 'cheng,' etc.

12. India.—The details of Hindu music are better known than those of Chinese. Evidently from the time of the Aryan immigrations (c. 2000 ) much attention has been paid to the art. But, since India has been repeatedly invaded and even subjugated by foreign peoples, and has been for ages in close commercial relation with Western countries, no one can say what of its music is original.

Native legends attribute the gift of music to the gods, and mythical and mystical notions are frequent in musical nomenclature and writing. References to music abound in the old literature, and musical treatises have been accumulating for centuries. Theorizing about music has run to incredible intricacies.

Music exists chiefly in the form of popular song or as an accompaniment for dancing. In religious ceremony it is less