South Korea: Court Music



This media item will not play in the Internet software you are currently using.

Although much Korean music shows influences from neighboring China, it maintains a strong indigenous character. The conservative Korean court-music tradition, however, was shaped by Confucian aesthetic principles dating from the 12th century and has maintained strong Chinese characteristics. This excerpt, from the ancient A-ak (refined) music tradition of China, is a Korean recording of original Confucian instruments no longer in use within China. Originally, each section of the Confucian rite began with a eight-line hymn. The melodies of these hymns are now played by instruments rather than sung. This excerpt is a short prelude to an A-ak orchestra piece.

"Komungo Tasurum (instrumental prelude)" traditional, performed by Kinm Song-jin and Ku Yun-kuk and Orchestra of the National Music Institute, Seoul, Kim Ki-Su, Director, from Korean Court Music (Cat.# Lyrichord LYRCD 7206) (p) Lyrichord Discs, Inc. www.lyrichord.com. All Rights Reserved.

Appears in these articles:

Korea, South

*	Exclusively for MSN Encarta Premium Subscribers. Join Now