| The categories of gagaku music have varied over time as Japanese foreign relations have shifted and as new repertoires have been incorporated into the tradition. |
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| For example, present-day gagaku performances are undoubtedly different from those of 1,000 years ago, but Mozart symphonies as well do not sound the same as they did in the 18th century. |
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| Gagaku, characterized by long, slow songs and dance-like movements, is the oldest of the Japanese traditional performing arts. |
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| The imperial court ensemble Gagaku has influenced the work of some modern Western composers. |
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