Topic: Japanese Music – Part I: Pre-Meiji
-That’s mean, yo!
Word definitions
eccentric (adj.): unusual, unique, or different from others
element (n.): a basic part of something
court (n.): the imperial/royal family and the people connected with them
common folk (n.): ordinary people
predecessor (n.): an earlier thing/person that had the same/similar position or function
a cappella (adv.): without using musical instruments
percussion instrument (n.): instruments like drums, gongs, cymbals, and xylophones
centralized (adj.): centered around a single political power
flock (to) (v.): gather there in large numbers
subtle (adj.): small, hard to notice; delicate
dominant (adj.): the main one, more important, popular, or powerful than others
ensemble (n.): a group of people that perform together
literally (adv.): actually, without exaggeration
adapted for (v.): changed to suit a new purpose
refined (adj.): classy; with high standards
recite (v.): say it aloud (from memory)
blind (adj.): unable to see
strike a chord (v.): cause a strong emotional response