Gorō Yamaguchi

Updated on Dec 29, 2023

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Origin Japan Labels Japan Victor, Nonesuch Role Music performer Albums Kinko-Ryuu Shakuhachi		Genres Japanese classical Name Goro Yamaguchi Record label Nonesuch Records

Instruments Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flute Died January 3, 1999, Tokyo, Japan Similar People Katsuya Yokoyama, Hozan Yamamoto, Watazumi Doso, Kesarbai Kerkar, Rodrigo Rodriguez

Gorō Yamaguchi - Kokuu Reibo

Gorō Yamaguchi (山口五郎; February 26, 1933 – January 3, 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).

Gorō Yamaguchi Musique zen 2 japon le shakuhachi by Judo Notomi Goro

While at Wesleyan, Nonesuch Explorer Series recorded his "A Bell Ringing In The 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).

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Major recordings

Gorō Yamaguchi Yamaguchi Goro The International Shakuhachi Society

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.