As many ESS members will know, Jim Franklin has worked extensively in the crossover area between shakuhachi (especially KSK honkyoku) and composition, with a focus on shakuhachi and live electronics. Now, a book by him has been published, describing his approach and experiences, and containing detailed analyses of honkyoku and of some of his own pieces, and especially of his CD 'Songs from the Lake' (NEOS 12029, released in 2021):
'Densokugaku: Shakuhachi, Composition, Electronics'
in the book, Jim also presents his view of the potential of the music (old and new) of the shakuhachi as a form of meditation.
The book can be purchased directly from the publisher, Vision Edition:
https://www.visionedition.com/publication/densokugaku/
In a brief review of the book, Riley Lee wrote:
“There are a number of apparent paradoxes in Jim Franklin’s book, Densokugaku.
It’s not a book about musicological theory, yet it contains quite detailed and useful music analyses, well supported with scores and charts. It’s not meant to teach one how to compose music, but it does just that, partly by explaining the composer’s mind. The book is not an autobiography, but the context of Jim’s life is what binds everything together, making it a readable story. Densokugaku is not about spirituality, nor is it _not_ not about spirituality.
In this respect, it’s very much like Zen Buddhist teachings, which are littered with paradoxes and contradictions. And like Zen Buddhist teachings, it somehow works. I suggest you read it.”
Perhaps some people will feel moved to follow Riley's advice.
(Best regards, Jim Franklin)
Post: http://www.shakuhachiforum.eu/t1773-Book-by-Jim-Franklin-Densokugaku.htm
'Densokugaku: Shakuhachi, Composition, Electronics'
in the book, Jim also presents his view of the potential of the music (old and new) of the shakuhachi as a form of meditation.
The book can be purchased directly from the publisher, Vision Edition:
https://www.visionedition.com/publication/densokugaku/
In a brief review of the book, Riley Lee wrote:
“There are a number of apparent paradoxes in Jim Franklin’s book, Densokugaku.
It’s not a book about musicological theory, yet it contains quite detailed and useful music analyses, well supported with scores and charts. It’s not meant to teach one how to compose music, but it does just that, partly by explaining the composer’s mind. The book is not an autobiography, but the context of Jim’s life is what binds everything together, making it a readable story. Densokugaku is not about spirituality, nor is it _not_ not about spirituality.
In this respect, it’s very much like Zen Buddhist teachings, which are littered with paradoxes and contradictions. And like Zen Buddhist teachings, it somehow works. I suggest you read it.”
Perhaps some people will feel moved to follow Riley's advice.
(Best regards, Jim Franklin)
Post: http://www.shakuhachiforum.eu/t1773-Book-by-Jim-Franklin-Densokugaku.htm