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A Good Death Part 3: Legacy

by Kagemusha Taiko

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When we die, what do we leave behind? We can all name great composers, writers, philosophers, and scientists whose legacies have lasted for centuries, but for most of us, our legacies are of no great consequence to humanity. To aspire to that kind of enduring significance is pure vanity, but the way in which we leave our lives matters hugely to our families and friends. And to be able to look back with joy at good times once shared is a wonderful thing.

We had the privilege of performing "A Good Death" at a service in Exeter Cathedral for over 1,000 people who had come to remember someone they had lost in the previous year. Hence the photo accompanying this track.

In 2004, after a series of joint concerts played by Osuwa Daiko and Kagemusha Taiko, Grand Master Daihachi Oguchi, the creator of the first-ever taiko group in Japan, presented me with his tetsu-zutsu, a piece of tuned metal percussion. He said "taiko without metal percussion is like a forest without birdsong, please use this when you create new compositions". It seemed appropriate to use this instrument in a composition called "Legacy", to acknowledge the debt to those who came before us.

Shouts or "kiais" also bring taiko to life. The original recording of "Legacy" was made in the studio at the Taiko Centre at Seale Hayne because this was the best way to control the sound of the drums. Kagemusha Taiko subsequently performed the piece at the 12th UK Taiko Festival, in Exeter's Northcott Theatre. The consistency of the tempo was such that we were able to mix the live recording with the one made in the studio and bring it all to life with the spontaneous shouts of the group members in the live situation.

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released March 16, 2024
Composed by Jonathan Kirby
Recorded at the Taiko Centre, Seale Hayne, and live at 12th UK Taiko Festival

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Kagemusha Taiko Exeter, UK

Under the artistic direction of Jonathan Kirby, Kagemusha Taiko create and perform original taiko compositions.

The group has played in significant venues in Europe, USA, and Japan, as well as at multiple events in and around their home base in south-west England. ... more

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