Title: Reception and Development of the Western Theories of Harmony in Japan

Time: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Venue: LG01, Hui Yeung Shing Building

Delivered in English, all are welcome

Synopsis:
Recently, the reception studies of Western theories of harmony in various countries have become active, such as those of Hugo Riemann’s theory. This talk focuses on the characteristics and history of their reception in Japan from the late Meiji era to around 1964, from two perspectives: how to translate harmonic concepts and how to represent chord symbols. Books related to Waseigaku [和声学] are divided into various types: translations mainly from German- and English-speaking theories; integrations from multiple theories; application of theories to Japanese and Eastern music; reflections on circumstances in Japan; and generalizations without specifying theoretical derivations. Along with this development, types of chord symbols are also diversified and coexisting: figured bass using Arabic numbers, scale degrees using Roman numerals, integrated symbols of both, functional symbols, symbols specific to Riemann, and symbols unique to Japan, while the translated terms tend to become standardized. This research provides a starting point for comparing the reception of Western music theory in Japan and other Asian countries.