Catalog of Shōdan: Introduction Chants

Issei-chant

The introductory Issei Chant is usually but not exclusively sung by the shite. It is usually preceded by an entrance music, also called Issei, which we refer to as Issei Music to avoid confusion.

This einori chant is sung in the high register. In contrast with the recitative style of sashinori chant, einori chant is characterized by the prolongation of certain syllables and a vocal line whose contour is more dynamically shaped.

Usually based on Japanese poetry, the text of the chant belongs to the regular category, with its syllabic structure of 5, 7-5, 7-5 or some variations of 7 and 5. The text for Hashitomi’s Issei Chant though, comes from a Chinese poem by Emperor Saga (786-842), so its syllabic structure does not conform to this format. In fact, it is categorized under the arhythmic poetic text.

The play Takasago features two examples of an issei chant, one in the first act and one in the second. The chant in the first act is a special version called shin no issei ('authentic' issei), which is distinct from a standard issei. It expands on the typical 5-7-5-7-5 poetic syllable structure by adding two more lines of seven and five syllables. This attached section, called the ninoku ('the second phrase'), is always initiated by the shitezure in a very high tone and at a quick tempo. The shin no issei is also usually accompanied by the nohkan.

Examples in the Plays:

Hashitomi - Issei
Takasago - Shin no Issei Chant
Takasago - Issei Chant