1.
musical accompaniment in traditional performing arts
The instrumental ensemble or musical accompaniment used in traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh, Kabuki, and festival performances. Typically features flute and drums.
囃子の音が聞こえる。
I can hear the sound of the musical accompaniment.
能の舞台では囃子が重要な役割を果たす。
In Noh performances, the musical accompaniment plays an important role.
祭りの囃子が通りに響き渡り、子供たちが駆け寄ってきた。
The festival music echoed through the streets, and children came running over.
USAGE: 囃子 refers specifically to the instrumental ensemble in traditional Japanese performing arts. It is not used for Western-style musical accompaniment, which would be 伴奏.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 囃子の音 (sound of the accompaniment)
- 祭り囃子 (festival music) — note the voicing: はやし → ばやし
- 能囃子 (Noh accompaniment)
- 囃子方 (musicians in the ensemble)
The standard Noh 囃子 ensemble consists of four instruments: 笛 (flute), 小鼓 (small hand drum), 大鼓 (large hand drum), and 太鼓 (stick drum). In compounds, the reading often voices to ばやし (rendaku).