When I asked my mother what kind of music she listened to as a child, she told me that her life was always filled with more western classical, and foreign film music rather than Japanese music. She stated that she always listened to Japanese Children songs and Minyo (folk songs) as a child, but in elementary and middle school, aside from traditional Japanese songs, she learned a lot about western music. Her teachers would frequently test them on naming pieces and identifying composers from their pictures. Then one day, she came upon The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss, and she fell in love with it. After that, my mother told me all she listened to was classical music.
In middle school, she started watching foreign films and musicals. She loved to watch the musicals and would frequently sing along (which helped her learn a little bit of English) It was also during her middle school years that she started spending her allowances to go see ballets, jazz, and brass band concerts.
Her environment was very positive. As my grandfather realized that my mother loved film, classical and jazz music, my mother told me that he would frequently go out and buy tapes and LP records of famous composers and groups. She frequently listened to Tchaikovsky, but she also loved to listen to Glen Miller.
When I asked if my mother played a musical instrument or sang, she told me that she tried to learn how to play recorder in elementary school, but it never worked out. However, she told me that she loved to sing. She loved to sing during her music classes and at home with her tapes and LP Records.
I was very surprised after this interview to find that my mother who is very religious and believes in keeping the traditional Japanese culture alive, to absolutely love western music. It's very hard to believe that her favorite music consists of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty to a Mahler Symphony as well as American pop and jazz. (But then again maybe not, when you see her always listening to the classical music channel on TV)
But now we know where I get the love of western music from.
Mari-
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting to me! As a 100% Westerner, it is strange to think that the classical music that we study has sort of infiltrated the Asian world, overshadowing traditional music. I suppose that's part of what this course is all about, right? I love that Jazz music has lovers even in Japan, and that American musicals can have profound influence in cultures that don't speak English - like Bollywood in America.
Interesting Blog, Mari!
I think it is amazing that your mother loved to listen to western classical music and to American pop and Jazz. I’m also glad to hear that your mom’s grandfather even brought her LP records for Western Music! That is really amazing support! My aunt’s father didn’t agree with her liking American Jazz. My aunt’s father was Costa Rican. He was pretty intolerant of other music besides Costa Rican. He wanted nothing to do with American Jazz and if the subject was brought up he would get irritated.
ReplyDeleteMari, your mom is a great example of someone I want to emulate. I wish that when I was a child, I would have had a larger interest in different cultures. Like Erica said above, I am Western-born and raised! My favorite thing that you wrote was how your mother learned some English from watching musicals and listening to tracks. I wish that would work for me when I watch operas! :)
ReplyDeleteI really am amazed, but thrilled, that your grandfather supported your mother's interest in Western classical music. My uncle's fiancee who is Japanese used to have to sneak Western classical music past her parents or listen to it at friends' houses. Thank you to your mom for sharing her story and thank you for reporting it.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to get to learn more about those close to you, and how your interests are actually related? I think it's great that she's working to keep your Japanese traditions intact while simultaneously passing on to you a music from her new culture that she loves. Great.
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