Varied forms of Korean music
There is no denying from the fact that Korean music has a strong influence on music lovers. This kind of music consists of both regional and ethnic appeal. Korean songs are very distinctive, unique and bring pure melody. They come in different categories.
Categories of Korean music
• Traditional
• Folk
• Western
Korean music has a strong influence of Buddhist thoughts which bind the Korean traditional melody with their culture and traditions. Traditional Korean music is a very pure form of music which is very soothing and not at all loud.
The traditional music of Korea can be further categorized into two major forms, chong-ak and sog-ak. The chong-ak is for the upper class and the music assembles the poetry, lyrics and melody to give harmonious suitable mood. The second category is sog- ak which is for the common people. This Korean music is full of drama and the instruments are used in such a way that they give a dramatic presence of art. Korean government is also trying to promote this music so as to encourage more and more people to become the devotees of art.
Korean folk music
Korean folk music is complex and bright and includes varied styles. Korean folk songs are rich and dramatic and its music maintains the rhythm and melody tone. It brings liveliness and that is why Korean music is very popular.
In villages, ritual ceremonies are considered incomplete without Korean folk music because it helps in creating the festive mood. The list of Korean folk songs is more abundant in number rather than any other kind of folk songs. Mouth organs such as flute, horns and Hwa, Dae piri and Nagak are used in the Korean folk music
Korean western music
Korea introduced the western music in 1955. The theme of Korean western music was influenced by the traditional characteristics of Korea and it is also referred as the mixture of both traditional and folk songs. Instruments like guitar, drums and key board are commonly used in the western music.
Instruments of Korean music
The culture of Korean music has an impressive collection of instruments. Some are native to Korea and a large number of instruments have been brought from other parts of nation.
Following are the major instruments used in the Korean music and each family has sub categories:
String: There are various kinds of strings used in the Korean music, such as plucked, bowed and struck.
Winds: Winds are of two types transverse and vertical. The vertical wind is further categorized into reed and non-reed.
Korean drums- a basic instrument
Korean folk songs are incomplete without drums. They come in varied sizes and sounds. Drums have been a part of Korean culture since their music came into existence. In Korea, drums are used in music in two different ways:
In pansori music of Korea, the drums are used to depict the feature of satire and love stories.
Pungul music is associated with the labor of farmers and peasants. The drums are beaten with an open hand simultaneously to give the required effect.