Rhythm and Grace: K-pop's roots in Korean tradition
Long before there were idols, catchy melodies and synchronized dance routines in front of fans, there were the rhythmic beats of Samulnori and the graceful movements of dancers with fans. These traditional Korean performances, rooted in the harvest festival Chuseok, showcase the rich cultural heritage that has influenced the modern music scene.
At CBC and Calgary Public Library's recent Stories Series, audiences were treated to a glimpse into this history. A Samulnori group, known for their energetic percussion, and a Buchaechum dancer, with her elegant fan movements, demonstrated the beauty and complexity of these ancient arts.
Instrumental Stories
First, participants enjoyed Kang's Samullori, a captivating traditional Korean percussion group, who shared the many melodies, the rhythmic heart of Chuseok. Samulnori is a genre of traditional percussion music originating in Korea. The word samul means "four objects" and nori means "play".
Samulnori, a percussion ensemble, uses four traditional instruments to create a dynamic and rhythmic sound. The instruments represent different elements of nature, adding symbolic depth to the performance. The rhythmic patterns, often improvised, have found their way into many K-pop songs, adding a unique and energetic element.
There are four instruments making up the Samulnori team, with each instrument representing elements of weather:
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Janggu: A double-headed drum with a deep, resonant sound, representing thunder
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Bureongi: A large, barrel-shaped drum with a powerful, booming sound, sounding like wind
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Kkwaenggwari: A small, gong-like instrument with a sharp, ringing sound, resembling rain
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Jing: A small, cymbal-like instrument with a bright, metallic sound, symbolizing clouds
The rhythmic patterns of Samulnori are energetic, complex, and often improvised. Kang's Samulllori dynamic all-female team shared their favourite music, then showed off the intricacies of each instrument. Then, they explained how processions and performances of the drumming creates festive atmosphere, befitting of Chuseok celebrations (and warding off evil spirits, to bring families good fortune.
"It's part of our soul," says Jeolsoon Kang through an interpreter. "Music represents all the different aspects we've had in our 5,000-year history, including, Buddhism, Shamanism and Confucianism."
It's these traditional, complex and energetic rhythms of Samulnori that you can hear incorporated into many K-pop songs, adding a dynamic and exciting element to the music.
Stories in Motion
From the graceful spins to the dramatic waving opening of the fan, people at Calgary Public Library's Central Library were charmed by the dances of Chuseok. People were very eager to grab a fan and learn more about Buchaechum.
Buchaechum, a fan dance, is known for its graceful movements and colorful fans. Buchae means "fan", chum means "dancing" in Korean. Buchaechum is a form of cultural expression that has been passed down through generations.
The dance is performed during Chuseok to celebrate the harvest and honor ancestors. The intricate movements and elegant use of the fan have inspired K-pop choreography, adding a touch of sophistication to modern performances.
Erica Jin, in her traditional attire demonstrated quaint and elegant movements and explained the context behind each movement. Since she has moved to Canada, Erica has taught for many years, sharing the joy and serenity of dance, as a part of Chuseok.
Buchaechum is a beautiful and captivating dance that adds to the festive atmosphere of Chuseok. It's a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and celebrating the beauty of Korean heritage.
About the Stories Series
Brought to you by the Calgary Public Library and CBC Calgary, Instrumental Stories and Stories in Motion are free events, open to the public to celebrate the untold stories in Calgary's culture scene.
Stories in Motion
CBC Calgary's Stories in Motion, in partnership with Calgary Public Library, offers free dance workshops celebrating global culture. In our second season, we're expanding our commitment to diverse stories through movement.
Instrumental Stories
Instrumental Stories is a monthly program in partnership with the Calgary Public Library that opens up different worlds of music, featuring instruments with cultural significance.
