Goshu ondo

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The Goshu ondo (江州音頭, Gōshū Ondo^?) is a type of ondo (music), a traditional Japanese dance music. It originated in Shiga Prefecture that was formerly known as Gōshū. It is believed to have been perfected around the Meiji Era. Goshu ondo is a lot like Kawachi Ondo in that the structure of the tune is quite fluid. There are no set lyrics, and the song's structure is variable. There is only a set theme which performers can improvise on, and a returning chorus. The returning chorus is sung in pitched notes, but the singers consider this a kakegoe. The tune of Goshu Ondo can be used to tell stories, or talk about current events. There is even a version of Goshu Ondo that names all the prefectures and capitals in Japan.

[edit] Kakegoe

The returning chorus, or kakegoe in Goshu Ondo is:

"SOYRA! Yoito yoi ya makka dokoisa no se."

[edit] Goshu Ondo Imported

The song originates in Shiga prefecture, however, the song has been imported to a part of Northern Osaka known as "Kawachi." The structure and nature of the song resembles Kawachi Ondo so much that they are often sung alongside with each other. Both of these songs can vary in instrumentation. The staples are a taiko drum and a shamisen, however, nowadays, it is usually accompanied by electric guitar. Both of these songs are often put to different genres, such as Rae-gae, or jazz.