also: せいか
noun
singing and playing the shō
Refers to a traditional performance combining vocal music with the shō, a Japanese mouth organ. The term is literary and not used in everyday conversation.
See also: 笙
雅楽の演奏では、笙歌が厳かな雰囲気を醸し出す。
In gagaku performances, the singing and playing of the shō creates a solemn atmosphere.
笙 refers specifically to the shō instrument itself, while 笙歌 denotes the combined act of singing and playing it.
Compound of 笙 (shō, a traditional Japanese mouth organ) and 歌 (ka, song/singing). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is used in classical and literary contexts.