play music, speak to a ruler, complete
奏 centers on presenting something forward: playing music for an audience, speaking formally to a ruler, or bringing a task to completion.
奏 is thought to combine a hand offering something with a plant or growth element, suggesting presenting or offering forward. The modern form has been simplified, and the exact historical development of the components is uncertain.
The top looks like two hands holding something, and the bottom is 天 (heaven). Picture offering music or a report up to heaven, completing the act of presentation.
For ソウ, imagine a soulful musician playing a song: soul -> ソウ, and the music is offered to the audience.
musical performance
wind music; wind instrument music
report to the emperor
instrumentalist; player
accompaniment
to play an instrument (esp. string instruments)
instrumental ensemble
concerto
ensemble (e.g. orchestra, chamber group, etc.); concert
to report to the Emperor
interlude; intermezzo
prelude; overture
way of playing (an instrument); style of playing; playing technique
(instrumental) solo; recital
variation
to report to the Emperor
success; achievement; fruition
playing (a wind instrument); blowing
(playing a) variation
trying out (a musical instrument; e.g. in a store); test-playing