Integration of Korean Traditional Musical Elements and Daegeum Techniques into Western Flute Composition: Sori, Nong, and Un-VI
Date
2021
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Abstract
Isang Yun (1917–1995) was the first successful Korean-born composer in Western classical music. His students, Sukhi Kang (1934–2020) and Byungdong Paik (b. 1936), have been leading composers and educators in South Korea and both were greatly inspired by Isang Yun. All three integrated Korean traditional philosophy and musical elements with Western music composition techniques. They also adapted Korean bamboo flute performance practice and techniques into Western flute composition. The purpose of this study is to understand how these composers integrate Korean traditional musical elements and bamboo flute techniques into Western flute composition. Three pieces in particular —Sori for flute solo (1988) by Isang Yun, Nong for flute and piano (1970) by Sukhi Kang, and Un-VI for flute and piano (1981) by Byungdong Paik —all reflect Korean traditions, Korean culture, Korean music, and Korean bamboo flute techniques in a Western style of composition. Also, these three composers are interrelated: Kang and Paik are mutual friends and both studied under Yun. They were greatly influenced by him.
This study begins with an introduction of the three composers, Korean music history, Korean bamboo flute, and Korean philosophical traditions. It then analyzes the previously mentioned works: Sori for flute solo (1988) by Isang Yun, Nong for flute and piano (1970) by Sukhi Kang, and Un-VI for flute and piano (1981) by Byungdong Paik.