Goro Yamaguchi

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Gorô Yamaguchi
Born	1933 Tokyo, Japan
Origin	Japan
Genre(s)	Japanese classical
Instrument(s)	Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flute
Label(s)	Japan Victor, Nonesuch

Gorô Yamaguchi (山口五郎) 1933-1999, a Japanese shakuhachi (vertical bamboo flute) player, was known for his musicality, phrasing, impeccable technique (and modesty) in solo and ensemble performances. He headed the Chikumeisha shakuhachi guild and became a world-famous Japanese performer and teacher. In 1967-68 he was appointed Artist in Residence at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut (USA).

While at Wesleyan, Nonesuch Explorer Series recorded his "Bell Ringing in an Empty Sky" LP, an influential first recording of shakuhachi in the US. NASA included one honkyoku from that LP, "Tsuru No Sugomori," (Nesting of Cranes) on the Voyager Golden Record which was sent into space. In 1992, the Japanese government designated Yamaguchi a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhô).

[edit] Major Recordings

Shakuhachi no Shinzui: Shakuhachi Honkyoku (Soul of Shakuhachi: Shakuhachi Honkyoku). Solo performance of complete Kinko school honkyoku repertoire: 38 compositions on 12 CDs. Boxed set with 44-page booklet. Japan Victor VZCG-8066-8077.
Shakuhachi no Shinzui: Sankyoku Gassô (Soul of Shakuhachi: Trio Ensemble). Ensemble performances with voice, koto, and shamisen. Four CDs in boxed set with 44-page booklet. Japan Victor VZCG-8078-81.