Question

Gagaku is a slow and dignified ancient Japanese court music, with instrumental, dance, and vocal styles. Considered the world's oldest continuously performed ensemble and dance form, early forms began in the 6th century.

A) A form of Japanese martial arts
B) A traditional Japanese puppetry art
C) A slow and dignified ancient Japanese court music, dance, and vocal ensemble
D) A popular form of contemporary Japanese pop music

Answer 1

Gagaku is an ancient Japanese court music and dance ensemble, known for its slow pace and ritualized performance, significantly different from the popular Kabuki theatre.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gagaku is correctly identified as C) A slow and dignified ancient Japanese court music, dance, and vocal ensemble. Unlike Kabuki, which is a theatrical performance combining dance and drama, and evolved in the 17th century catering to common folk with its exaggerated gestures, Gagaku is primarily associated with the imperial court and dates back to the 6th century, making it one of the oldest ensemble music forms still performed today.

It is known for its slow, deliberate pace and highly ritualized performances, often including wind and string instruments, along with percussion. Gagaku was used for both courtly and religious events and has been declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.