shamisen

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“
These cherished songs are performed on the koto, shamisen, and various percussion instruments.

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Definitions (2)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. noun A Japanese musical instrument resembling a lute, having a very long neck and three strings played with a plectrum.

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Examples (40)

  • Typically, a single "chanter" provides narration and recites every character's lines using different voices, accompanied by the shamisen, a traditional three-stringed instrument. —  BYU News
  • Other musical highlights include a Japanese pop concert by star Ai Kawashima, who has gained national renown in Japan; Minami Kuzuki, singing and playing shamisen J-pop melodies inspired by the folk songs of her home in the Amami Islands; and a performance of traditional koto and shamisen music by Misayo Ishigure and the Miyabi Koto Shamisen Ensemble. —  Ain't It Cool News - The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
  • Traditional music lovers will be enthralled by an ethereal shakuhachi flute concert and a classical koto and shamisen concert. —  Ain't It Cool News - The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
  • NEC's Intercultural Institute presents The Senzoku Gakuen Ensemble in a program of traditional and contemporary Japanese music featuring teachers and students from the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music playing shamisen, koto, and shakuhatchi.
  • Daniel also tours part-time with bluegrass shamisen virtuoso, —  Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News
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Etymologies (1)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Japanese samisen : san, three (from Middle Chinese sam) + mi, taste, touch (from Middle Chinese mujh) + sen, string (from Middle Chinese sianh).
 

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