Donpan-bushi: An Akita folk song passed down and sung by various artists

Piano duet piece: Donpan-bushiAkita min’yō

Piano duet piece “Donpan-bushi,” an Akita folk song, for four hands on the piano.

It’s a simple Donpan piece for piano alone.

There’s no ornamentation, but by making it a duet, it brings out not only the folk song’s simplicity but also a sense of strength, and I felt the piece’s world expand.

Lively Donpan is nice, but a classical resonance is appealing too.

R&B&M Donpan-bushiFuefuki Jirō to Donpan Rispekutsu

[H] R&B & M “Donpan-bushi”

Honestly, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to appreciate it, but this kind of approach is valid too.

The pairing of a thoroughly pop world with the shinobue flute is interesting.

I’ve heard the “M” in R&B&M stands for minyo (folk music).

It’s amazing how Donpan still shines so brilliantly even with this kind of arrangement.

Kayoko’s Donpan SongMiyama Nayoko

Kayoko’s Donpan Bushi by Natsuyoko Miyama: “Kayoko Miyama: Donpan Bushi”

She’s a jazz vocalist, though some people call her a voice alchemist.

Indeed, this Donpan sounds less like a conventional song and more like a showcase of her diverse vocal expressions—at times like a chorus, at times like an instrument.

It was a unique take on Donpan.

Donpan-bushiMisato Jazu Ookesutora

Donpan-bushi, Akita folk song, Misato Jazz Orchestra

I don’t think Misato Town in Akita Prefecture is a large town, but I was surprised to find out it has a jazz orchestra.

Apparently, it’s a full-fledged group made up of people in their 30s to 50s.

It’s popular at annual concerts as well as ceremonies and events.

It’s nice to be able to hear jazz played with familiar, well-known tunes close to home.

Donpan-bushiKakunodate

Tohoku Spring, Kakunodate, Donpan-bushi (Tohoku Rebound) 2014/5/4

In Kakunodate, it seems the Donpan Bushi is danced during the cherry blossom festival in May.

It’s nice to get familiar with folk songs through hand dances.

For the children, it will surely become an unforgettable memory.

As for the Donpan Bushi lyrics, which can be arranged in many ways, you can’t leave out the parts about the song itself and the Akita beauties.

Donpan-bushiBikutā Shōnen Min’yō Kai

From Victor Shonen Minyo-kai, Minyo Pride of Our Nation, Vol. 1: Donpan-bushi

The Victor Youth Folk Song Association produced many figures connected to folk music, including Yoko Nagayama.

Donpan-bushi is included in the first volume of “Folk Song Pride of Our Country.” It has a classic, orthodox feel, properly conveying through its lyrics the importance of singing and dancing, cherishing one’s homeland, and valuing people.