TA-da

A common melodic fragment in honkyoku is a note followed by another note that is one whole step higher, for instance a ri followed by an i. Many of us want to play this motif with the emphasis on the second note, creating something like the ta-DA sound we used to make when successfully completing a magic trick.

In most cases, however, the correct approach is to emphasize the lower note of the pair, holding back the second sound: TA-da rather than ta-DA.

This is often true even when the first note is a meri, as in a nayashi that goes from a ri meri to a ri. Since a meri is intrinsically quieter than a kari, you'll have to pull way back on the volume of the kari note of the pair. And though you reduce its volume, the second note must be in tune: adjust your head or your embouchure to compensate for the reduced air pressure.

On some flutes it is especially difficult to play a soft in-tune second octave i after a hi. Since this phrase comes up quite often, it is a good one to practice.

Until you've memorized a piece, you may find yourself falling repeatedly into the trap of ta-DA instead of TA-da. In the course of playing you may need to remind yourself several times that "lower is louder."