Profiles of Ryukyuan Music g – Ancho Nomura

Profiles of Giants of the Ryukyuan Music Performing Arts ⑧

Ancho Nomura (1805-1871)

Founder of Nomura Ryu(Style) (uta-sanshin)

Nomura was born in Sakiyama (some say Akabira), Shuri, on June 2^nd, 1805. He was on of the premier students of Chinen Sensei. He emphasized a more natural singing style rather than the more elaborate singing style of his teacher and fellow student, Shingen Afuso.

On orders from the last Ryukyuan King, Sho Tai, Master Nomura began the process of editing the Chinen KunKunShi. Accompanying him on this task were; Shinshin Matsumura (Main editor), Kishaba, and Seiki Yamauchi. Highlights of the changes could be seen,

1) One, in new print-like writing style of the KunKunShi notes themselves and,

2) The spacing of the notes and addition of standard border lines and all accompanying rhythm markings as well as singing phrases became more orderly and clear to the reader.

The three volume revision was finally completed in August, 1865. It included 150 pieces, and the name of it is Kintei KunKunShi. This version is the model and foundation of all Nomura Ryu KunKunShi found today. The heirs of the Nomura Style were previously mentioned Matsumura, Kishaba, and Yamauchi. He is represented by the many associations which bear his name.

Classical Ryukyuan Music Nomura School Music Association (Established 1924)

Classical Ryukyuan Music Nomura School Classical Music Preservation Committee (Established 1955)

Classical Ryukyuan Music Nomura School Matsumura Togenkai (Established 1960)

Classical Ryukyuan Music Nomura School Traditional Music Association (Established in 1982)

Other highlights of his sanshin career were that he served three Ryukyuan Kings, and he also directed and led the last performance of the Unkansen. He passed on, July 2^nd, 1871.