🎼Music of Asia Unit 4 – Music of East Asia – Korea

Historical Context

• Korean music has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, with influences from indigenous traditions, Chinese music, and later Western music
• Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE) saw the development of court music (aak) and hyangak (native Korean music)
  • Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla kingdoms each had distinct musical traditions
  • Unification of the kingdoms under Silla led to further exchange and development of musical styles
• Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) witnessed the flourishing of court music, religious music (Buddhist and Confucian), and folk music
  • Jongmyo Jeryeak, a form of Confucian ritual music, was established during this period
• Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) brought significant advancements in music theory, notation systems, and the creation of new musical genres
  • Emergence of pansori, a form of musical storytelling, in the 17th century
  • Development of sanjo, an instrumental genre featuring virtuosic performances, in the 19th century
• Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953) led to suppression and destruction of traditional Korean music
• Post-war period saw a revival of traditional music, alongside the incorporation of Western musical elements and the rise of K-pop

Traditional Korean Instruments

• Gayageum: A 12-stringed zither played with the fingers, known for its delicate and expressive sound
  • Sanjo gayageum, a modified version with 18 or 25 strings, is used for the sanjo genre
• Geomungo: A 6-stringed zither played with a bamboo stick (suldae), producing a deep and resonant tone
• Haegeum: A 2-stringed fiddle played with a bow, characterized by its plaintive and emotive timbre
  • Often used in court music and accompaniment for pansori
• Daegeum: A large transverse bamboo flute known for its rich, mellow tone and wide range
• Piri: A double-reed oboe-like instrument with a piercing and nasal sound, used in court and folk music
• Janggu: An hourglass-shaped drum played with a stick and a hand, providing rhythmic accompaniment in various genres
• Buk: A barrel drum struck with two sticks, used in pungmul (farmers' music) and samulnori (percussion quartet)
• Kkwaenggwari: A small, flat gong with a high-pitched, metallic sound, used in pungmul and samulnori

Key Genres and Styles

• Court music (aak): Ceremonial music performed in the royal courts, characterized by slow, stately rhythms and an emphasis on balance and harmony
  • Includes Jongmyo Jeryeak, performed at the Jongmyo Shrine for the ancestors of the Joseon Dynasty
• Pansori: A form of musical storytelling featuring a vocalist and a drummer, known for its dramatic and expressive style
  • Five surviving stories (madang) include Chunhyangga, Simcheongga, and Heungboga
• Sanjo: An instrumental genre showcasing the virtuosity of a solo performer, accompanied by a janggu drum
  • Developed from sinawi, an improvisational ensemble genre
  • Each instrument has its own sanjo repertoire, with gayageum and geomungo being the most prominent
• Pungmul: Traditional farmers' music featuring percussion instruments and dancing, performed for rituals, festivals, and entertainment
• Samulnori: A modern percussion ensemble inspired by pungmul, featuring four instruments (kkwaenggwari, jing, janggu, and buk)
• Minyo: Korean folk songs reflecting the lives and emotions of common people, often associated with specific regions or occupations
  • Includes genres such as arirang, a popular folk song with many regional variations

Cultural Significance

• Music plays a vital role in Korean cultural identity, reflecting the nation's history, values, and aesthetics
• Traditional music is deeply connected to Confucian philosophy, emphasizing harmony, balance, and social order
  • Court music, such as Jongmyo Jeryeak, embodies these Confucian ideals and serves as a means of honoring ancestors and maintaining cultural traditions
• Buddhist music, including chanting and instrumental performances, is an integral part of religious ceremonies and meditation practices
• Folk music genres, such as pansori and minyo, provide insight into the lives, struggles, and joys of common people throughout history
  • These genres often serve as a means of social commentary, preserving oral traditions, and fostering community bonds
• Music is a central component of important life events, such as weddings, funerals, and coming-of-age ceremonies
  • Specific musical pieces and genres are associated with these rituals, reinforcing cultural identity and social cohesion
• Traditional music has undergone a revival in recent decades, with increased interest among younger generations and efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage
  • Government support, educational programs, and cultural festivals have contributed to the sustainability and appreciation of traditional Korean music

Influential Composers and Performers

• Kim Yuk (1580-1658): A Joseon Dynasty musician credited with the creation of the sanjo genre and the development of the gayageum sanjo
• Park Yeon (1378-1458): A Joseon Dynasty court musician and theorist who made significant contributions to the standardization of court music and the creation of the Jeonganbo notation system
• Kim Chang-jo (1865-1919): A renowned pansori singer known for his powerful voice and emotional depth, considered one of the "Eight Masters of Pansori"
• Hwang Byungki (1936-2018): A modern gayageum master who popularized the instrument internationally and composed innovative works incorporating Western musical elements
• Kim Duk Soo (b. 1952): A master percussionist and founder of the samulnori genre, credited with popularizing Korean traditional percussion music globally
• Lee Saenggang (b. 1966): A pansori singer known for her expressive voice and innovative interpretations of traditional repertoire
• Jang Yeong-gyu (b. 1953): A daegeum player and composer who has pushed the boundaries of the instrument through his experimental works and collaborations with Western musicians
• Kim Young-dong (b. 1965): A haegeum player and composer known for his virtuosic technique and cross-cultural collaborations, bridging traditional Korean music with jazz and world music

Modern Developments

• Fusion of traditional Korean music with Western classical music, jazz, and popular music genres
  • Creation of new compositions and arrangements incorporating traditional instruments and musical elements
  • Collaborations between Korean and international musicians, fostering cross-cultural exchange and innovation
• Emergence of Korean classical composers who blend Western compositional techniques with Korean musical aesthetics
  • Isang Yun (1917-1995), a prominent composer known for his works for Western orchestra and traditional Korean instruments
  • Younghi Pagh-Paan (b. 1945), a composer who incorporates Korean musical elements and philosophical concepts into her works
• Incorporation of traditional Korean instruments and musical styles into K-pop and Korean film scores
  • Use of gayageum, haegeum, and pansori-inspired vocals in popular music, creating a distinct Korean sound
  • Inclusion of traditional musical elements in film and television soundtracks, enhancing cultural authenticity and emotional resonance
• Globalization of Korean music through international tours, festivals, and educational programs
  • Increased presence of Korean musicians and ensembles in world music festivals and concert series
  • Establishment of Korean music programs in universities and conservatories worldwide, promoting research and performance of traditional and contemporary Korean music

Global Impact

• Growing international recognition and appreciation of traditional Korean music as a unique and valuable cultural heritage
• Influence of Korean musical elements on contemporary music genres, such as K-pop, hip-hop, and electronic music
  • Incorporation of traditional instruments, rhythms, and melodic patterns into modern music productions
  • Collaborations between Korean and international artists, creating new musical fusions and expanding the global reach of Korean music
• Contribution to the diversity and richness of the world music scene, offering new sonic palettes and cultural perspectives
• Promotion of cultural understanding and exchange through music, fostering international collaborations and dialogues
  • Participation of Korean musicians in cross-cultural projects, workshops, and residencies
  • Engagement of international audiences with Korean music and culture, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation
• Inspiration for other countries to explore and promote their own traditional musical heritage alongside contemporary music developments
• Potential for Korean music to serve as a soft power tool, enhancing Korea's cultural diplomacy and global influence
  • Showcasing Korea's rich musical traditions and innovations on the international stage
  • Attracting global interest in Korean culture, language, and tourism through the appeal of its music

Listening Recommendations

• "Sujecheon" from the Jongmyo Jeryeak repertoire, performed by the National Gugak Center
  • A stately and serene court music piece showcasing the balance and harmony of traditional Korean music
• "Chunhyangga" pansori, performed by Kim So-hee
  • A classic pansori story of love and devotion, highlighting the expressive power of the human voice
• "Sanjo for Gayageum" by Hwang Byungki
  • A virtuosic and emotionally charged performance demonstrating the range and versatility of the gayageum
• "Sinawi" by the Gyeonggi Traditional Music Orchestra
  • An improvisational ensemble piece featuring the dynamic interplay of various traditional Korean instruments
• "Samulnori" by Kim Duk Soo and SamulNori Hanullim
  • A high-energy percussion performance showcasing the rhythmic complexity and excitement of the samulnori genre
• "Arirang" by various artists (e.g., Kim Young-im, Lee Seung-chul, or Park Hyo-shin)
  • Different interpretations of the beloved Korean folk song, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural significance
• "Silk Road" by Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, featuring Jang Yeong-gyu on daegeum
  • A cross-cultural collaboration highlighting the beauty and expressiveness of the daegeum in a global music context
• "Seo Yeon" by Black String
  • An innovative fusion of traditional Korean music with jazz and improvisation, showcasing the creative potential of Korean musical traditions in the modern world