Cultural Event

Program

1. Cimhyang-moo(1974)                            

Composed by Byung-ki Hwang (1937~2017)

Performed by Gayageum_Young-sook Song, Janggu_Ju-ri Jeong

Chimhyangmu: The Dance of Aloeswood

The title "Chimhyangmu (沈香舞)" is derived from two words: "Chimhyang (沈香)", which refers to "aloeswood," considered the most precious fragrance in the East, and "mu (舞)", meaning "dance." This piece draws its musical inspiration from a dance performed amidst the spreading smoke of fragrant incense—essentially, a "dance of fragrance."

Composed in 1974 by the late Hwang, Byung-ki, Chimhyangmu imagines going far beyond the traditional boundaries of Joseon-era music, returning to ancient times, as if commissioned to compose a dance piece for the people of Silla. Reflecting on how the starlight visible in the heavens was the only shared connection between him and the Silla people, the composer found himself gazing at the stars for hours, envisioning a journey back to the Silla period. In pondering how to meet the aesthetic sensibilities and values of the Silla people, he imagined a dancing pose of the seated Buddha statue, the Bangasayusang.

The work seeks to express through the gayageum a sublime dimension where the exotic (foreign) and native (traditional) elements of Silla Buddhist art harmonize, culminating in a sensuous and transcendent beauty. In this piece, the janggu plays an important role that goes beyond simple accompaniment. Innovative techniques such as striking the drum with fingers or hitting the wooden body with sticks produce unique effects, contributing to the piece's distinctiveness.

Chimhyangmu is groundbreaking in its experimental approach to performance, reimagining the gayageum's sound and breaking away from its traditional limitations. By exploring new sounds and rhythms, the piece significantly expanded the horizons of gayageum music, creating a major turning point in its contemporary repertoire. When listening to this piece, one might imagine being enveloped by the noble fragrance of Chimhyang, immersing themselves in its scent and sound to fully appreciate the depth of the gayageum's resonance.

2. Kim Byung-ho Gayageum Sanjo

Composed by Byung-ho Kim(1910~1968)

Performed by Gayageum_Young-sook Song, Janggu_Ju-ri Jeong

Sanjo: A Masterpiece of Korean Traditional Instrumental Music

Sanjo (散調), literally translated as "scattered melodies" or "unbound melodies," is a term rooted in pure Korean language. It refers to an instrumental solo piece that is a hallmark of Korean traditional music. Unconstrained by fixed forms or stylistic conventions, Sanjo allows the performer to freely express a wide range of emotions without reservation, emphasizing improvisation. The music progresses from slow to fast rhythms and is performed with accompaniment on the janggu or buk drum.

Master Keumam Kim Byeong-ho (1910–1968) was one of the greatest gayageum sanjo virtuosos of his time. A disciple of Kim Chang-jo (1865–1919), the founder of gayageum sanjo, Kim Byeong-ho’s style is renowned for its robust spirit, the refined use of left-hand techniques, profound vibrato (nonghyeon), and unique ornamentation (sigimsae), which distinguish his sanjo from others with its originality.

The Kim Byeong-ho style gayageum sanjo is characterized by its flexible use of binary and ternary rhythms, intricate overlapping vibrato, complex microtones, and broad melodic range exceeding thirds. This style demands considerable skill and effort from the performer. With a performance duration of approximately 35 minutes, it is recognized as a meticulously crafted masterpiece within the sanjo repertoire. It is celebrated for its depth and sophistication, combining mournful tones with a dynamic and exhilarating charm.

Today's performance, accompanied by janggu, will feature a condensed version of this sanjo lasting about 10 minutes, providing a glimpse into the essence of this masterful tradition.

Performer Profiles

Gayageum Performer Song, Young-sook 송영숙

Song, Young-sook is a representative artist of Korea dedicated to preserving the legacy of Korean traditional arts and expressing the spirit of the times through music. She is the director of Seolleung Art Hall (선릉아트홀) and the head of the traditional arts troupe "Aureum” (전통예술단 아우름). She has developed new genres of music through collaborations with various international musicians, producing over 20 works and directing more than 200 performances. Domestically, she has produced over 300 performances, participated in more than 500, and held eight solo gayageum concerts. She showcases unique improvisational music rooted in Korean folk music traditions. After graduating from the National High School of Traditional Arts, she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Hanyang University and completed her doctoral coursework.

Janggu Performer Jeong, Ju-ri 정주리

Jeong, Ju-ri is a percussionist who values the roots of traditional Korean music and is recognized as a certified holder of Seoul’s intangible cultural heritage in pansori rhythm accompaniment (go-beop 고법). She won the Presidential Prize at the 40th National Accompanist Competition and has held multiple solo recitals to preserve and advance traditional arts. Actively performing as a chamber musician and in Korean traditional orchestras, she appears on stages both domestically and internationally, engaging in diverse activities that span tradition and modernity. Her dedication to mastering the fundamentals while constantly embracing new challenges has earned her widespread recognition.