Concert Life and Concert Venues in Japan, 1868-1945

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In modern Japan, the number of concerts of the western classical repertoire as well as the number of concert venues and professional orchestras is higher than in most other countries worldwide. Based on an analysis of the concert venues built for the performance of symphonic music as an indicator for the social background as well as for the architectural and acoustical performance conditions, the development of modern concert life in Japan in a period between 1868 and 1945 will be examined. Starting with an analysis of venues and performance conditions for Japanese music before the introduction of western classical music, the main investigation will describe all performance venues for symphonic music in the Tokyo district from the beginning of the Meiji era in 1868 to the end of the second world war in 1945, with respect to their shape, size, capacity and acoustic properties. Since most of the relevant buildings do not exist anymore in their original condition, room-acoustical parameters according to ISO 3382 will be calculated based on CAD-models and room acoustical simulations of all halls for the occupied and unoccupied case. For the still existing halls, measurements will be conducted. Based on room acoustical parameters derived from measurements and simulation, these early concert venues will be compared to halls of the same time in Europe and the USA as well as to modern venues in Japan today. Together with informations on the orchestra sizes and performance conventions, both the unique characteristics and preconditions in Japan such as the use of kabuki theaters for early performances of western music will be highlighted as well as references and western influences in terms of performance conventions, architectural design and the acoustical planning of concert venues. The results will give insights into the history of room acoustics as well as into the cultural history of Japan between the poles of local traditions and foreign influences.