Traditional Music in Korea

안녕하세요! 한영합니다!

{Hi! Welcome!}

Outside of music, I'm currently learning Korean and its culture for not only for personal reasons but also to sometime teach there as well! And why not combine what I do outside of school and add what I do for profession. Which is music, obviously. This blog I will be sharing about some aspects of Korean culture that come from music!

{This will cover mini parts of Korean history. Also, fair warning, I had to use Wikipedia for some of these, since most of these kinds of music were not written down and it's very difficult to find any information and musical evidence.}

Bits of Korean History

For starters, the first thing is to give a brief and short history lesson about Korea before talking about instruments! 

{This may be a lot so I do dear apologize for this very long read}

Before there was a North and South Korea, Korea was a peninsula around 700,000 years ago.  Korea had three kingdoms: Goguryeo (고려) , Baekje (백제) , and Silla (신라). Here are some mini facts about these kingdoms!

Goguryeo: A dynasty started by Jumong (주몽朱蒙) during 37 BC. "The kingdom flourished in the 5th and 6th century CE and has left a rich cultural heritage best seen in its tomb art and architecture. Goguryeo gave its name to the modern state of Korea...Goguryeo was in constant rivalry with the smaller Baekje (Paekche) and Silla kingdoms."

Baekje: Regarded for its maritime power, resulting in the spread of Buddhism across East Asia

Silla: Longest sustained country in Korean history. "The name, Silla, implies that the virtuous achievements of the king are renewed every day and extended all over the world."

Traditional Korean Instruments

These are some of the traditional instruments in Korean culture: The piri, bipa, and a zither, which is used in today's time. The piri is a double reed aerophone instrument made out of bamboo. There are eight finger holes, seven on the front and one on the back. 

The bipa is a pear shaped lute and a plucked chordophone that was derived from the Chinese-traditional instrument, pipa, and introduced along the silk-road to Goguryeo and Silla. 

The zither is actually a classification for stringed instruments. But, the zither for Korea is called the gayageum (가야금), a plucked zither or chordophone. This is the best known traditional Korean instrument and it consists of 12 strings, nowadays having 18, 21, or 25 in today's time. 

Korean Folk Music {Traditional}

Folk music in Korea is...complex, since there are classified under certain melodic and vocal contours and rhythms. This is what we call Jangdan (장단). Jangdan categorizes these forms of folk music. 

Pansori (판소리), sometimes mistaken as 'Korean Opera' is a story-telling genre that includes a vocalist and a drummer. This is characterized by "expressive singing, expressive singing, stylized speech, a repertory of narratives and gesture, embraces both elite and folk culture." Here's more about Pansori from singer Ahn Sook Sun. 

Sanjo (산조) meaning 'scattered melodies' is a solo-instrumental music performance that's usually performed by a drum. The movements of sanjo include tempo that generally increase. This also includes some rhythmic and melodic modes in faster movements. 

Jeongak (정악) literally means 'right/proper music.' Jeongak is a classification of Korean court music. "Jeongak is played at a very slow pace. Some single beats can take three seconds. The beat matches the speed of breathing rather than the heartbeat as in most Western music. As a result of this slow speed, the music feels static and mediative."

Korean Court Music

Some of these aren't used much anymore as there isn't much work recorded and saved but there are a few examples of Korean court music.

Korean court music has 3 different genres: aak, derived from Chinese ritual music, hyangak, pure Korean form, and dangak, combing Chinese and Korean styles. 

Aak is usually labeled as "elegant music." "Aak began as the music played during the Korean "Jongmyo Shrine's Jerye Ceremony," and was later used for other occasions, and as Korean court music, often with lyrics praising the current ruler. "

Hyangak literally translates to "indigenous/native music." It is a traditional form of court music that originated during the three kingdoms of Korea. It is usually accompanied by folk dance which we call "hyangak jeongjae" that is performed in front of an audience. 

Dangak, meaning "Tang music," is described as Chinese court banquet music, since it was primarily introduced during the time of the Tang dynasty. This music is usually accompanied with dances called "dangak chongjae."

All three types of court music have accompaniments and a way that they perform, and were separated by gender. Female court dance accompaniments are called kinyo and kisaeng. Whereas male performers have 4 classes: "aksaeng, aggong, kwanhyon maengin, and royal processional musicians."

How traditional culture is influenced today

As you may know by now, I do in fact listen to K-pop, or Korean pop, which is an example of contemporary Korean music. Contemporary music today has produced solo idols and groups such as: Psy, BoA, Rain, IU, Epik High, Wonder Girls, 2AM, 2PM, Blackpink, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Brave Girls, Big Bang, 2NE1, Seventeen, Twice, GOT7, BTS, Monsta X, Red Velvet, Momoland, GFriend, aespa, Itzy, Tomorrow X Together, NCT and NewJeans. Ouf of all idols coming from this list, there's one group that's the biggest and most successful K-pop group in korean history...and that's BTS. Their achievements are so big that it would be too much to add on here so I'll leave a link to see what they've done so far and going forward. 

BTS Notable Achievements

BTS member and one of the lead rappers, Min Yoongi, also known as SUGA or Agust D, uses Korean court music for some of his work, which includes one of his most popular pieces of work "Daechwita" that was written for his mixtape "D-2" published in 2020. Yoongi states that "The theme “Daechwita” was already on my mind when I first started working on this track,” he began. “so I sampled the sound of a real ‘Daechwita.'” Daechwita is a genre of traditional Korean music that consists of military music, usually performed while marching...The first thought I had was that I wanted to sample the music that is played during the ceremonial walk of the King,...so naturally, Korean elements ended up being an essential component to the track as well as the music video.”

Another example of traditional culture being used today comes from another work from BTS as a whole group. With this in mind, "Idol" is a song written by these boys for their album: Love Yourself: Answer (2018). The official music video includes traditional Korean clothing that is known as "Hanbok" and also includes traditional banquet dances, that come from a Korean masked dance called "bongsan talchum."

Korea is great! And I can't wait to travel there someday. I really appreciate everyone who visits my blog and leaves comments. Thank you to everyone who were in this class and I can't wait to see you guys in the Spring.

Before you go, I did want to add something else about Korea...their food! Korean food is delicious! This includes Kimchi or noodles! However...in Korea, there's one thing that is different. They do NOT play with their spices. There's a Korean company called "Samyang" and this company makes really spicy noodles. As a "victim" of these delicious but fiery pasta, I want to share with you a little hilarious video after reading about traditional music of Korea. Please enjoy and thank you so much for reading!

Works Cited

Koreaboo. “BTS’s Suga Shares Details About Composing Agust D’s ‘Daechwita.’” Koreaboo, 22 May 2020, www.koreaboo.com/news/agust-d-time-daechwita-suga-bts-korean-musical-influences.

Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Korean Court Music.” Wikipedia, 17 Dec. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_court_music#South_Korean_music.

---. “Music of Korea.” Wikipedia, 10 Jan. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Korea.

“Hyangak.” DBpedia, dbpedia.org/page/Hyangak.

What Does AAK Mean? www.definitions.net/definition/AAK.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “P’iri | Musical Instrument.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Apr. 2007, www.britannica.com/art/piri-musical-instrument.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Kayagŭm | Musical Instrument.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 July 1998, www.britannica.com/art/kayagum.

Silla Facts for Kids. kids.kiddle.co/Silla#:~:text=Silla%20was%20one%20of%20the,extended%20all%20over%20the%20world.

“Asia Society Korea Travel Series 8 – Baekje Cultural Land.” Asia Society, asiasociety.org/korea/asia-society-korea-travel-series-8-baekje-cultural-land#:~:text=Baekje%20is%20recognized%20as%20one,of%20Buddhism%20throughout%20East%20Asia.

Cartwright, Mark. “Goguryeo.” World History Encyclopedia, 26 Jan. 2023, www.worldhistory.org/Goguryeo.

Lambert, Tim. “A Brief History of Korea - Local Histories.” Local Histories, 19 Sept. 2022, localhistories.org/a-brief-history-of-korea.

“Korea Information - History — Korean Cultural Center New York.” Korean Cultural Center New York, www.koreanculture.org/korea-information-history.

Culture of Korea - Academic Kids. academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Culture_of_Korea.

South Korea - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/south-korea-guide#:~:text=Korean%20culture%20is%20profoundly%20influenced,ancestors%2C%20and%20also%2C%20tradition.

Music and Mommy

 

I decided to interview my Mom since I'm trying to visit her more and have more bonding time since I'm mostly busy with schoolwork. There were some disturbances while grabbing my mom since there's two dogs living at her house.

COLOR CODE

Questions: Black

My Mom: Blue

Me: Purple

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, what I'm doing is I'd like to interview you and ask some questions for an assignment I'm working on for class. Is this fine with you? 

Yes! I might not have much time however, since I need to pick up Grammy around 6. But I can make it work!

Great! So first question!

Q#1: "How has change in technology changed what you listen to?"

I say it's changed a lot since my time. In college, we used this program called "Napster" and what it does is that it burns CDs and make CDs. Basically what you had to do is download a file on the computer and it was a system to go through and it involves lots of coding. That's how we physically downloaded music. Instead of clicking a button, we had to command to download the song. And then, you had to put the same demand to transfer onto the CD. And then put it in a CD player.

I...gotta say it has changed a lot since you nowadays can just either download the song from a website or media that does that for you instead.

Q#2: "Where did you listen to your music?"

On a CD player, radio, making my own CDs.

Phone, car radio, sometimes laptop if I'm editing audios

Q#3: "Did you listen to mainstream music or something else?"

Never been picky with music

Me neither. Except country

I love country

Meh

Q#4: "What kind of music do you listen to today?"

Same thing. 

Did you change anything?

No. Haven't changed.

Q#5: "Favorite album?"

Ooo....that's a good one.

...

I don't know for certain but definitely one of Garth Brooks' albums. I can't really choose one since they're all really good

"If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power." is too good. I really like Halsey's work with music.

{Had to use a "safer" album cover}

Q#6: "Favorite music from a movie?"

I probably would say the music in Armageddon. It's my favorite

I really love the newest soundtrack from "Wakanda Forever." Especially the Siren scene: They sound so ethereal.

Q#7: "Have you ever learned an instrument?"

Yes. Acoustic Guitar and I did play piano. I didn't like it but I took it. 

We already know what I play.

Q#8: "Is there a song that you find yourself humming or listening to in the shower?"

Not...Particularly. But if I do, it would usually be a gospel song. 

For me it would be Billie Eilish (I love 'bury a friend')

Q#8: "Did you go to any concerts in highschool?"

My first concert was "New Kids on the Block"; In college, I went to see "NSYNC"

Never been to a concert :(

An Unhelpful Guide to Heavy Metal

So... you're here to learn about heavy metal? Welcome! I'm so happy you made it here! Heavy metal is actually a genre of music I listen to on a daily basis...sometimes once a week because I'm a music student. In this very "helpful" guide, I will be giving you everything you need to know about heavy metal as a whole. That's right. EVERYTHING. Anyways, enjoy your stay, you might want to grab some popcorn and some headphones for this.

I welcome you to...

(an unhelpful guide)

What....is it?

More than just "aggressive drumming and guitar playing and lots of screamo."

For starters, this isn't about the hard metals that you would find on the periodic table of elements. Obviously. But seriously. What is heavy metal? 

In a nutshell, Heavy Metal is basically Rock 'n Roll's edgy young brother. If you need a precise definition, well...Heavy metal is a subgenre of rock music that submerged around the late 1960s and late 1970s, mostly around the UK and US and is one the most successful commercial genre of rock music. It is mainly "characterized by loud and distorted guitars and vocals; its image by aggressive male posturing and a preoccupation with sexuality, identity, and the corrosion of traditional social institutions."

Origin

The origin...is pretty complicated. There's no actual origin but more of how this particular genre was born. And who mainly starts it? Black Sabbath of course! This quartet, coming from the United Kingdom, brings together a combination of early rock 'n roll and hard-edged blues.

Just a tiny bit of information about them before we move on...

A bit of information about Black Sabbath

They were an English rock band that formed in 1968 in Birmingham until their disbandment in 2017.This band has four members, consisting of... Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Iommi, Bill Ward, and Terence "Geezer" Butler. 

This band plays blues like rock with some heavily distorted guitar and grinding.



"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" - Black Sabbath

this took forever to fix...

However, to say that they're the first heavy metal band...well...it's actually an understatement. In the 70s, more bands started forming and picked up this style of music and started to experiment. Some of which is making guitar playing more aggressive. This is where Judas Priest comes in. 

"Painkiller" - 2009

While Black Sabbath walked, more bands ran! It is only a matter of time when "Heavy Metal" is finally born during the 80s. It starts spreading like wildfire and eventually leads to new forms of metal, like thrash metal, black metal, death metal, power metal, etc. 

As decades pass, more groups begin passing the torch of Heavy Metal and leads to some of the most "influential recordings in music history." 

" I Disagree" - Poppy (AKA: My go-to workout song)

Elements of Heavy Metal


A "periodic table" of different Heavy Metal groups

The most important instrument is the electric guitar, it creates powerful chords and mostly used to shred in rock 'n roll. The other instruments are electric bass, drums, and don't forget a screamer :D. Here's a video showing an example of these instruments that come together and form into what I call, art.

Also check out JINJER they're really good.


"Pisces" - JINJER


I'm sorry...Heavy Metal has....health benefits?

Absolutely! Heavy Metal and other forms of Metal is, believe it or not, therapeutic. Which also includes other genres of music, even the ones you have on your Spotify playlist right now. It can lessen negative feelings, help you feel accepted, and helps you with any rage you might be feeling. It also can sometimes comfort you as to how you're feeling. I'm bringing Poppy again for this one.

"X" - Poppy

But, isn't it evil?

You might be asking "But isn't it just a bunch of random noise and wanting to sacrifice animals to the devil" and I'm going to answer this right now. No. Heavy Metal isn't about those things. In fact, it's far from it. This is a big stereotype that seems to linger when it comes to heavy metal. There are also 3 other misconceptions about Heavy Metal that I'll go ahead and tackle on.

Misconception #1: "You can't understand it? Why bother listening to it?":

While this can be a true statement, you don't always have to understand the lyrics. But you'll definitely see why when you search them up online. Heavy metal tends to grasp on aggressive guitar and very harsh vocals (Screamo is a good example; Plus, it takes a lot of training since it can damage your vocal chords if not done properly.)

Misconception #2: "It's all about demons and devils":

Heavy Metal does tackle topics that most people are disturbed by (Depression, anxiety, mental health, etc) and don't want to listen about it. However, this doesn't mean that this genre is just a big cult and about worshipping the devil (I have a video at the end of this guide that tackles more on about this.)

Misconception #3: "It's all you listen to"

YES BECAUSE I JUST HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS SPECIFIC GENRE EVERY SINGLE WEEK OR I WILL NOT MAKE IT! OHMEOHMY! *Sarcasm* No, heavy metal isn't all I listen to, and I'm pretty sure most people don't listen to heavy metal 24/7. For me, I enjoy other genres of music: blues, jazz, K-pop, J-pop, Techno music, etc. {Except country}

In other words, Heavy metal is great!

That's obviously my opinion. But if you agree with me, can we be friends? I'd love to get a hold of your playlist of any new bands that I should listen to. But yes, Heavy metal is a very popular subgenre of rock 'n roll. You can enjoy it either on your drive to work, at school with friends, if there is break time, and even at a concert with other metalheads to headbang and enjoy the vibe to.

(I'd love to get a link to your playlist so I can headbang along to)

Before you go off and listen to more, if you want to, I'm adding another band to tackle the "Heavy Metal is evil" misconception, because this is one of my favorites and plus it's hilarious to listen to the lyrics of it. I'm pretty sure you'll like this one song by System of A Down. 

"Chic 'N' Stu" - System of A Down

Works Cited

“Instruments.” Heavy Metal Music, willsheavymetal.weebly.com/instruments.html.

Pearlin, Jeffrey. “A Brief History of Metal.” Heavy Metal 101, 2014, metal.mit.edu/brief-history-metal.

Cram, Preston. “History of Heavy Metal: The Difference Between Metal and Heavy Metal.” Preston Cram, 23 Dec. 2022, www.prestoncram.com/post/history-of-heavy-metal-the-difference-between-metal-and-heavy-metal.

Wright, Stephanie R. A. “Yes, Listening to Metal Can Benefit Your Mental Health.” Psych Central, 29 Oct. 2021, psychcentral.com/health/benefits-of-listening-to-metal-music.

Walser, Robert. “Heavy Metal | History, Music, Bands, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Nov. 2022, www.britannica.com/art/heavy-metal-music.

Wikipedia contributors. “Music History of the United States.” Wikipedia, 28 Nov. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_history_of_the_United_States.

“5 Misconceptions People Have About Metal Music.” Steemit, steemit.com/music/@alcibiades/5-misconceptions-people-have-about-metal-music.

Music & Gender

I will be honest, I was so hesitant with writing this. But I hate the whole "music and gender" stereotypes. There are people who follow what society and music programs and people who don't. Everyone has their own style for music. And being a music student *cough* possibly planning to write my own music *cough*, I have my own opinions. But, that's not what this blog is about. 

Obviously...ANYWAYS ON TO MY ENTRY!

I love many musicians. Whether it's an artist close to my age and I can easily relate to or is it a pianist that can inspire many others, including me. That being said...I really love Billie Eilish. I've been a fan of her and her brother since 2019. She has come a long way and I'm really proud of her. One thing I enjoy seeing is her being happier than a few years ago. 

Billie looking gorgeous at the Met Gala in 2021

I was honestly having a rough time before I started my journey into college with a heart for music and art. And after coming across her and her music, I started to feel comfort and inspired to keep going with my endeavors and my future. Since 2019, she has won many Grammy awards and has even started a program for climate change. She was also featured on Saturday Night Live, being a guest in some skits. 

In my opinion, I say women can be inspiring, especially those who are in the same generation as you, seeing yourself in their eyes. It makes me incredibly happy to see women being part of the change in not only music but expectations for making it and going forward. Not only that, but raising awareness to issues that are happening in real life, even while I type this blog. I say Billie Eilish is a rising icon to our generation and her music definitely proves it. 

An example of some of her music

I also am adding what I mean when I say she brings awareness to problems that are happening on our planet. 

Being a woman and knowing how to play piano was one of the scariest things I could choose in my life. It was already a scary feeling to enter college life being a pianist and knowing several other instruments. That's why I feel comfort in listening to the performances of Valentina Lisitsa, AKA The Queen of Rachmaninoff. She's a Ukrainian-American pianist who has made a name for herself on YouTube since 2007 with a recording of Etude op. 39 by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Since then, she has turned her online career to a concert performance career around the globe. 

She's one of the best pianists out there (In my opinion) but I suggest you give her a listen! 

Valentina's interpretation of "La Campanella" by Franz Liszt

Yes I have an obsession with Liszt (I don't care if his work is challenging. That's the best thing about it)

Not to mention, she's also one of the only pianists that can play El Contrabandista (If you think La Campanella was bad. You need to listen to her play this one :D)

Music And Rituals: Weddings and Funerals

I love performing music. It's one of those hobbies that describe me as a person. It's like painting a portrait that you can't wait to show off in an art exhibit. One thing that I'm most familiar with is playing for rituals such as: funerals, weddings, and even convocations. What really brings me to stay motivated is gratitude from those who ask me to perform. It's great!

Funerals make me emotional, especially the one I will be performing at on Wednesday. My Grandfather, Jack Sanders, US Navy Veteran, went to eternal rest last Thursday and it has been a rough start to 2023. But, for my family and bloodline, I find myself to play one piece that brings people together. For my family, it is Elvis Presley. His songs meant a lot to my grandfather. And one piece that is sure to make anyone go emotional is Take My Hand, Precious Lord. I've been honored to perform this piece for my grandfather and I surely want to share that to celebrate his life and to thank him for all he did for me, his wife, my family, and those who knew him well. 

May my grandfather rest in eternal peace. 

Continuing on about my grandfather, Jack was a veteran. Because of this, his celebration of life will include ceremonies from the Navy Forces. This will include Taps for his funeral and burial. 

I tried so hard not to sob my eyes out while writing about this.

Funerals are one of those rituals that I have to stay strong to, even if it means grieving someone I know or someone who I dearly loved until the end. 

Weddings, however, are a different story. A while back before the pandemic struck in 2020, I was also honored with the opportunity to celebrate renewal of vows playing music. Weddings surely bring everyone together as it is a celebration of love and taking the next step forward. So it was truly an emotional event for me and the wedded couple. Canon in D has been an absolute favorite of mine to perform either during weddings or Christmas time. 

Celebrating either love or life is always an emotional roller-coaster for a ritual. It surely brings family closer either to honor or celebrate new steps, and the future. Music like this is always what describes me as a musician. I love performing for rituals and I do hope to expand my craft with the many more rituals to come. 

I will also include the obituary of my late grandfather (Because this blog is mostly about him)

My Grandfather's Obituary

Music and Me

 Hi! I'm Brianna Tucker and I'm a sophomore student at Converse. I guess I could technically say that I started to learn my very first instrument at five and a half years old. During elementary school, I've started to pick up on learning violin while I continue with studying piano. 

I live in South Carolina for most of my life. But, I really enjoy traveling to other places around the US. But besides traveling, I enjoy reading, painting, drawing, sleeping, and drinking tea. I mostly love being a musician and an artist. 

The only time I look nice for a picture

Anyways, I love music. I always have and always will. And I do want to share that with you!

1. What I like right now:

Judging off of my Spotify list and YouTube history, I have many genres of music. Except country. There's one artist I really enjoy. Her name is Halsey. She debuted in 2014 and currently I'm in love with one of her most recent albums, "If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power" based off of her experiences of being a first time mother and pregnancy. It's a good album featuring different styles either going from pop to rock and I absolutely adore that. 

I really can't express how much I enjoy her works and what's next for her. I like to listen to anything with either a powerful message or music for fun. Her album also was released with a movie but sadly I wasn't able to watching it. And during hard times like these with the government and other problems, I always go with something I can feel rage with. 

2. Example of music that's deeply important to me:

I enjoy music. I'd say it's one of my most favorite things in the world, other than food. But most importantly, I love to play music. It's like eating ice cream except it's homemade. I also enjoy playing different piano songs or movements, like Mozart or Bach and some bits of Debussy. But, if there's one thing I will forever stay loyal to, I'm always emotionally connected to Ludwig Van Beethoven (my composition husband); His work speaks a lot to me. I always can picture different art pieces or even picturing myself playing for an audience. His Sonata No. 14 Op. 27 No.2 (AKA Moonlight Sonata) will always be considered a classic (pun intended) and I can't get enough of it. I enjoy playing the first and second movements. I would honestly need 3 hands to play the third movement. Obviously everyone knows the full sonata and there might be some that don't. Enjoy this performance :D!

3. Example of Music I don't really connect with:

Oh boy...This is pretty difficult to answer since I'm not shy when it comes to looking into the many kinds of music. This is pretty challenging since I don't necessarily have any negative opinions (obviously no one should but that's up to them) about anything. If I were to choose music from today's generation, I'm not a huge fan of "Say So" by Doja Cat. As much as I appreciate her talent and her music, I just don't get how that particular song is so popular across the globe but some of her newest work goes unnoticed and not talked much about. People will use "Say So" even though Doja is pretty tired of performing the song. Here's one of her live performances:

Welcome!

 Hello!

My name is Brianna Tucker. I'm currently a sophomore at Converse University with a major in Music Education. 

For this class, I've noticed that we will be observing and digging into the many historical and cultural contexts for different types of music and what we will be covering.

I'm pretty excited to see what's next for this class. :D

❤