Ever since I've wanted to learn more about Gagaku, I've always been a little confused about the many different orchestral lineups. After some research: With this I tried to visualize a small compilation of the most important ensembles to give myself a small overview.
Maybe it will also help you a little to understand Gagaku better.
Orchestra lineups of the most important Gagaku main groups are: Bugaku, Music for Dance/Kangen,Instrumental Music/Kuniburi no utamai,Indigenous and Shinto Music/Utamono,Music for Japanese Folksongs and Chines Poetry