4.3 Instrumental music and traditional Korean instruments
4 min read•july 29, 2024
Korean instrumental music is a rich tapestry of sounds and traditions. From to folk tunes, it's shaped by three main categories: , , and . These reflect the diverse social and cultural influences on Korean musical expression.
Korean instruments fall into four types: , , , and . Each plays a unique role in ensembles, from the melodic to the rhythmic janggu drum. This variety creates the distinctive sound of Korean music.
Categories of Korean Instruments
Three Main Categories Based on Materials and Sound Production
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- Akhak (악학) instruments used in court music and ceremonies of the upper class, considered more refined and sophisticated
- Minhak (민학) instruments used in folk music and the music of the lower classes, often have a rougher, earthier sound
- Dangak (당악) instruments originated in Tang Dynasty China and were introduced to Korea, used in both court and folk music
Hornbostel-Sachs System Classification
- Idiophones produce sound through the vibration of the instrument itself
- Examples include the bak (clapper) and kkwaenggwari (small flat gong)
- Membranophones produce sound through the vibration of a stretched membrane
- Examples include the buk (barrel drum) and janggu (hourglass drum)
- Chordophones produce sound through the vibration of strings
- Examples include the gayageum (12-string zither) and (2-string fiddle)
- Aerophones produce sound through the vibration of a column of air
- Examples include the piri (double-reed oboe) and (large transverse flute)
Construction and Roles of Korean Instruments
Gayageum and Geomungo Zithers
- Gayageum is a 12-string half-tube plucked zither played by plucking or flicking the strings with the right hand while pressing the strings with the left hand to raise their pitch, often plays the main melody in ensembles
- is a 6-string fretted long zither played by plucking the strings with a bamboo stick called a suldae in the right hand and pressing the strings with the left hand, often plays accompaniment patterns
Daegeum Flute and Piri Oboe
- Daegeum is a large bamboo transverse flute that produces sound by blowing across a hole near the top end, pitch is changed by opening or closing finger holes and by using advanced embouchure techniques, plays improvisatory melodies
- Piri is a small double-reed bamboo oboe with 8 finger holes that produces a high-pitched, nasal sound, known for its expressive vibrato and pitch bending ornamentation, often plays the main or countermelody
Haegeum Fiddle and Janggu Drum
- Haegeum is a 2-string vertical fiddle played with a bow that produces a scratchy, nasal tone with wide vibrato, melodic lines are often highly ornamented with slides, trills, and pitch bends
- Janggu is an hourglass-shaped drum struck with a stick in the right hand and the bare left hand, the two heads produce sounds of different pitch and timbre, provides rhythmic structure in ensembles
Structure of Korean Ensembles
Court Instrumental Ensembles
- Based on the yeak (예악) system which followed strict rules of instrumentation and repertoire
- Three main types: aak (ritual music), hyang-ak (native Korean music), and dang-ak (music of Chinese origin)
Folk Instrumental Ensembles
- More flexible and varied by region
- Prominent folk genres include (solo instrumental music), (improvised ensemble music), and (percussion band music)
- Sanjo features a single melodic instrument (gayageum, daegeum) accompanied by the janggu drum and follows a gradually accelerating rhythmic structure called jinyangjo
- Sinawi is improvised ensemble music that accompanies folk dances and rituals, instrumentation is flexible (piri, daegeum, haegeum, gayageum, geomungo, janggu) and alternates between free-rhythm and metered sections
- Pungmul is outdoor percussion band music that accompanies village rituals, festivals, and dances, main instruments are the kkwaenggwari (small gong), jing (large gong), janggu (hourglass drum), and buk (barrel drum), features layered polyrhythms and improvised solos
Korean Music's Influence on East Asia
Chinese and Japanese Court Music
- Korean court music (aak, hyang-ak) heavily influenced by Chinese court music, many court instruments (bipa, tang-pip'a, tang-jok) imported from China
- Korean court music influenced Japanese gagaku ensemble during the Nara period (710-784), believed to have originated from the Korean hyang-ak ensemble
Sanjo and Pungmul Influences
- Korean sanjo genre influenced the development of the Japanese tsugaru-jamisen and the Chinese yehu solo genres in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sharing structural and stylistic similarities
- Korean pungmul percussion music spread to the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Northeast China (Yanbian pungmul) and influenced the development of the Japanese taiko drumming tradition
20th Century Global Influence
- Korean composers (Isang Yun, Byungki Hwang) began incorporating elements of traditional Korean music into Western classical compositions
- Led to increased global interest in Korean music and instruments
Key Terms to Review (30)
Aerophones: Aerophones are a category of musical instruments that produce sound primarily by vibrating air. This includes instruments where the vibration is created by air passing through a resonating body, such as reeds or mouthpieces. In the context of traditional Korean instruments, aerophones play a vital role in creating the unique soundscapes associated with various musical forms.
Akhak: Akhak is a traditional Korean musical notation system that represents the pitch and duration of notes, serving as a critical tool for documenting and performing Korean music. This system is especially significant in the context of traditional instrumental music, providing musicians with a structured way to interpret compositions. It combines elements of Chinese musical notation and indigenous Korean practices, reflecting the cultural exchange and historical development of music in Korea.
Chordophones: Chordophones are musical instruments that produce sound primarily through vibrating strings. This category of instruments includes a wide variety of stringed instruments found across different cultures, including those in Asia. The unique qualities of chordophones are shaped by their construction, materials, and playing techniques, making them integral to the instrumental music traditions of many societies, especially in Asia.
Concert hall: A concert hall is a specially designed venue for the performance of music, characterized by its acoustic properties, seating arrangement, and stage design. It serves as a space where musicians, often using traditional instruments, can present their art to an audience, creating a shared experience that enhances the appreciation of the music.
Court music: Court music refers to the musical traditions performed in royal courts, often characterized by their formal structure and connection to the nobility. This type of music serves not only as entertainment but also plays a significant role in ceremonial occasions, reflecting the cultural identity and artistic values of a society. In many Asian cultures, particularly in Korea, court music is deeply tied to specific genres that have distinct historical and cultural backgrounds.
Daegeum: The daegeum is a traditional Korean bamboo flute known for its rich, resonant sound and is an essential instrument in Korean music, particularly in court and folk traditions. It features a unique design with a larger size compared to other flutes, which contributes to its deep tonal quality and allows for a wide range of expression. The daegeum is commonly used in both instrumental ensembles and solo performances, connecting it to various genres of Korean music.
Dangak: Dangak is a form of traditional Korean court music that originated during the Goryeo Dynasty and developed further in the Joseon Dynasty. It is characterized by its use of a pentatonic scale and often includes both vocal and instrumental elements, showcasing a blend of elegance and formality that reflects the cultural values of the Korean court.
Gayageum: The gayageum is a traditional Korean zither-like string instrument that has 12 strings, although modern versions may have up to 25 strings. This instrument is central to Korean music, particularly in both court and folk traditions, and is characterized by its distinct timbre and versatile playing techniques, making it a vital part of various musical contexts in Korea.
Geomungo: The geomungo is a traditional Korean string instrument, resembling a zither, that is played by plucking its strings with a bamboo stick. It is a significant part of Korean music culture, particularly in both court music and folk traditions, and is known for its deep, resonant sound that evokes a sense of introspection and serenity.
Goryeo Dynasty: The Goryeo Dynasty was a Korean dynastic kingdom that ruled from 918 to 1392. It is renowned for its cultural achievements, particularly in the development of Korean ceramics and the establishment of Buddhism as a major cultural influence, which significantly shaped instrumental music and the traditional instruments of Korea during this period.
Gugak: Gugak refers to traditional Korean music that encompasses a variety of genres, instruments, and performance styles, deeply rooted in Korean culture. It serves as an essential part of cultural identity, reflecting both the historical and social context of Korea, while showcasing a unique blend of instrumental and vocal elements.
Gyeonggi minyo: Gyeonggi minyo refers to a genre of traditional Korean folk songs that originated from the Gyeonggi Province, known for its lively rhythms and melodies. This music is characterized by its communal nature, often performed during agricultural festivals, and reflects the daily lives and emotions of the people in the region. Gyeonggi minyo is closely tied to traditional Korean instruments, enhancing its cultural significance and serving as a vital link between the music and the people of Korea.
Haegeum: The haegeum is a traditional Korean stringed instrument, often referred to as the 'Korean fiddle.' It has two strings and is played with a bow, producing a distinctive, expressive sound that is integral to various forms of Korean music. This instrument plays a significant role in shamanic rituals, Buddhist practices, instrumental ensembles, and court music traditions.
Idiophones: Idiophones are a category of musical instruments that produce sound primarily by the instrument's own material vibrating, without the need for strings or membranes. They can create a wide range of sounds through various methods, such as striking, shaking, or scraping. This makes idiophones essential components in many musical traditions, contributing to rhythmic and melodic elements in instrumental music.
Jeongseon arirang: Jeongseon arirang is a traditional Korean folk song originating from the Jeongseon region, recognized for its poignant melodies and lyrics that express deep emotional sentiments. This song represents an essential part of Korea's cultural heritage, showcasing the unique musical characteristics of the region and its significance in traditional instrumental music.
Joseon Dynasty: The Joseon Dynasty was a Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for approximately five centuries, from 1392 to 1910, and is known for its significant cultural and political achievements. This period saw the flourishing of various art forms, including instrumental music and vocal traditions, deeply influencing Korean identity and heritage.
Kim duk-soo: Kim Duk-Soo is a renowned South Korean musician, known for his exceptional skill on the traditional Korean drum called the 'buk' and his contributions to Korean music. He has played a pivotal role in popularizing traditional Korean performing arts, especially through the genres of samulnori and pansori, which showcase both the rhythm and melody of Korean culture.
Lee byung-woo: Lee Byung-Woo is a prominent South Korean composer and musician known for his work in traditional Korean music, particularly his contributions to instrumental pieces that integrate both traditional and contemporary elements. His compositions often highlight the unique sounds of traditional Korean instruments while also embracing modern musical influences, showcasing the richness of Korea's musical heritage.
Membranophones: Membranophones are a category of musical instruments that produce sound primarily through the vibration of a stretched membrane. This includes drums and other percussion instruments where the membrane is struck, plucked, or otherwise disturbed to create sound. In the context of traditional Korean music, membranophones play a significant role in providing rhythm and texture to the ensemble.
Minhak: Minhak refers to a traditional Korean style of instrumental music that emphasizes the expression of emotional depth and cultural identity through melodic and rhythmic patterns. It is characterized by the use of various traditional Korean instruments, integrating both the lyrical qualities of Korean melodies and the intricate techniques of performance. This style is deeply rooted in Korea's musical heritage and often reflects the aesthetics and philosophies of Korean art.
Pansori: Pansori is a traditional Korean musical storytelling performance that combines singing and narration, typically performed by a solo singer accompanied by a drummer. It is known for its expressive vocal techniques and dramatic storytelling, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Korea. This art form plays a significant role in various aspects of Korean life, including celebrations, rituals, and the preservation of historical narratives.
Pentatonic scale: A pentatonic scale is a musical scale that consists of five notes per octave, which are typically derived from the diatonic scale by omitting certain pitches. This scale is prevalent across various musical traditions, providing a simple yet versatile framework for melody and harmony in many Asian musical contexts.
Plucking technique: Plucking technique refers to the method of producing sound on string instruments by using the fingers or a plectrum to strike or pull the strings, rather than using a bow. This technique is fundamental in creating distinctive timbres and articulations that are characteristic of various styles of instrumental music, especially within traditional Korean instruments.
Pungmul: Pungmul is a traditional Korean folk music genre that encompasses a dynamic performance style featuring rhythmic drumming, singing, and dancing. It is rooted in agricultural rituals and communal celebrations, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Korea through its vibrant instrumentation and lively choreography.
Samulnori: Samulnori is a traditional Korean percussion ensemble music that typically consists of four main instruments: the janggu (hourglass drum), the buk (large drum), the jing (metal gong), and the sae (a smaller gong). This vibrant musical style not only emphasizes rhythm but also showcases the unique sounds and cultural significance of these traditional Korean instruments, often performed in festive settings and celebrations.
Sanjo: Sanjo is a traditional Korean instrumental genre characterized by its improvisational style and use of a solo instrument, often accompanied by a drum. It typically consists of a series of contrasting sections, showcasing the virtuosity of the performer while reflecting deep emotional expression. This genre connects to the broader context of instrumental music in Korea and the unique characteristics of traditional instruments.
Sinawi: Sinawi is a traditional form of instrumental music from Korea that often involves improvisation and is typically performed using a small ensemble of stringed instruments. This genre is known for its expressive melodies and the use of unique performance techniques, reflecting the cultural and emotional depth of Korean music. Sinawi emphasizes spontaneous creativity, where musicians engage in a dialogue through their instruments, allowing for a rich and dynamic musical experience.
Traditional festival: A traditional festival is a culturally significant event that celebrates the customs, beliefs, and heritage of a community or society. These festivals often involve music, dance, and the use of traditional instruments, serving as a way to preserve cultural identity and foster social cohesion among participants.
Tuning systems: Tuning systems refer to the methods and frameworks used to determine the pitch relationships between musical notes in various musical traditions. These systems are crucial in shaping the sound and character of instrumental and vocal music, as they dictate how instruments are tuned and how melodies are constructed within a musical piece.
Vibrato technique: Vibrato technique is a musical performance practice that involves the slight, rapid variation in pitch of a note, creating a rich, expressive sound. This technique is used by musicians to enhance the emotional quality of their music, often making the performance more engaging and dynamic. In instrumental music, particularly with traditional Korean instruments, vibrato serves as an essential tool for musicians to convey feelings and cultural nuances inherent in the pieces they perform.