Gagaku

/ɡəˈɡɑːku/ noun

Definition

The classical court music of Japan, performed at imperial ceremonies and important state functions for over a thousand years.

Etymology

From Japanese 'gagaku,' composed of 'ga' (elegant) and 'gaku' (music). The tradition was imported from China and Korea during the Nara period (710-794 CE).

Kelly Says

Gagaku is one of the world's oldest continuously performed classical music traditions—musicians still perform pieces today that were first written over 1,000 years ago with the same instruments!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.