The Tale of the Heike

The tolling of the temple bells echoes the impermanence of life. So begins the Tale of the Heike. Crap video quality, but this performance of the opening chapter of the epic tale of two rival families warring for control of Japan is a stunner. Traditionally performed throughout the feudal period and popularized in the 14th century by blind monks called biwa hoshi, here it is sung and played by Nobuko Kawashima.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQIjaosvrJE

For vsct_gaius: What's wrong with this picture?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2jVpRCyNR8