The stylized theatre found in Japan that incorporates drama, dance, and song is known as Kabuki. This traditional theatre has been a part of the Japanese culture since its first performance in 1596 and most active when Japan passed into the modern age (Powell 4). The theatre has inspired all Japanese art forms. Since "dance is very important in kabuki theatre" (Nettl 117), it seems only natural that there also is music in kabuki performance. Bruno Nettl mentions as a universal of music, "everywhere, dance is accompanied by musical sound" (9). The music of Kabuki can be further examined by studying the behavior of how it is produced and consumed, the conception of its role in Japanese culture and the sound of the music.
             Kabuki is often thought to be delightful to the eye but it is also delightful to the ear. Not only by its subtle and complex dialogue, but by a "combination of partly chanted speeches, music, natural sounds, and stage clappers, all helping to build up the total theatrical effect" (Powell 4). Kabuki does not only emphasis acting. It includes and emphasizes the combination of acting with song and dance. Without the sound part of the drama, it would be severely lacking an element that brings the music to life and changes the dynamics of the show.
             Music has been a part of these Japanese traditions since ancient times. It primarily served as "a vehicle for words and literature" (Nettl 136). Throughout time music has been a part of entertainment, religion, and court music, but theatrical music seems to have been the most important of musical genres. This is due to "the Japanese love of storytelling and preoccupation with ritual" (Nettl 13). Kabuki theatre is an important expression of popular, urban, mercantile culture of Japan. The subject matter of the plays captivates many areas of life such as religious beliefs, magic and the supernatural, family, p...