Kantan [Noh Song]

Kantan
There are only voice parts in this recording.
Script (English/Modern Japanese)
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noh-sup.hinoki...
In ancient China, a young man called Rosei has been living aimlessly. Now willing to give meaning to his life, he is on his way to visit the holy sage of Flying Sheep Mountain in the Kingdom of So. On his journey, he stops by an inn at the Village of Kantan. The Innkeeper has kept a magical pillow that was given to her by a monk who once stayed there. Those who sleep on this pillow will see a miraculous dream who will awake them to enlightenment. While the Innkeeper prepares a millet meal, Rosei rests on the pillow of Kantan.
Suddenly, a Court Envoy and his retinue wake Rosei up. The King of So has decided to give his title to Rosei. The Envoy urges Rosei to get on the palanquin so that he can be taken to court. As Rosei admires the beauty of the royal palace, a Minister tells him that celebrations for the 50th anniversary of his reign will begin. Child dancers and Court Ministers join the banquet. King Rosei drinks an elixir of long life, then stands on his jeweled throne joins the dances. Inebriated by the wine and by the dances, time goes by faster and faster. Days and nights, and the four seasons turn before Rosei’s eyes. Everything disappears. Suddenly, a knock on Rosei’s door wakes him up. His millet is ready. Awakening from his dream, Rosei cannot believe that the glory of fifty years lasted only the time for millet to cook. Coming to the deep realization that life is evanescent, just a dream, Rosei leaves the inn.
Sung by Kanze School