Hon Shirabe

Another Hon Shirabe. its something i always play at least once every time i practice, so if im not happy with whatever else ive recorded, this will usually be the fallback.

It's a great piece, often described as both the beginning and the end. the first honkyoku usually taught to a student, and simple in structure - no ornaments or flourishes - but also nowhere to hide. no flashy fingerings to hide poor pitch control behind. the name is often translated as "original piece" or "original search", but also "basis for enlightenement" or simply "beginning".

Kakizakai's says here: "This is a demanding piece because if our inner energies are not gathered, the image will be limited, as if to see only the tip of an iceberg." and he's right. if you havent been practicing, or your condition isnt good, then it will show up in this piece, clear as day.

Its also a great reference piece, for judging progress, and differences in your condition from day to day. Also for comparing different instruments.

Sometimes i try out different things - like the barebones version from last time - or sometimes different things just come out on their own. but for each player, i think it settles into a form that suits them, maybe changing a bit as they change and improve.

also today, i recorded a version of Sanya, Mountain Valley - but i wasn't really over the moon about it, so i'll try it again tomorrow and see if its any better. :)