Catalog of Shōdan: Introduction Chants
Issei-chant
The introductory Issei-chant is usually but not exclusively sung by the shite. It is usually preceded by an entrance music, also called Issei, which we refer to as Issei-music to avoid confusion.
This einori chant is sung in the high register. In contrast with the recitative style of sashinori chant, einori chant is characterized by the prolongation of certain syllables and a vocal line whose contour is more dynamically shaped.
Usually based on Japanese poetry, the text of the chant belongs to the regular category, with its syllabic structure of 5-7, 5-7, 5 or some combination of 7 and 5. The text for Hashitomi’s Issei-chant though, comes from a Chinese poem by Emperor Saga (786-842), so its syllabic structure does not conform to this format. In fact, it is categorized under the arhythmic poetic text.
Sung in yowagin mode by the shite and jiutai.