Aspects of the Korean traditional vocal genre,kagok: female kagok and the call for a new integrative kagok notation

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Music
Degree name
Doctor of Philosophy
Publisher
University of Canterbury. School of Music
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2007
Authors
Lee, In-suk
Abstract

Kagok is a genre of highly refined, traditional, Korean, vocal music, which is now endangered and marginalized in contemporary Korean culture. Female kagok signers (kisaeng) have also been ignored in Korean music society. The aim of this study is to preserve and revitalize kagok, in order to conserve its true nature in a contemporary context, and for the future. This thesis is twofold. The first part shows how the aesthetics of the Chosŏn dynasty are fundamental to kagok's history, and female kagok singers' education. Furthermore, existing kagok scores, written in traditional chŏngganbo notation or in Western staff notation, are examined in this part, and they reveal the need for the creation of a new kagok notation. The second part of the thesis concerns the creation and testing of the New Integrative Kagok Notation (NIKN), which combines the essentials of chŏngganbo and Western staff notation, and provides a more effective vehicle for the transmission, transcription and recording of this art form, particularly for inexperienced, contemporary students.

Description
Citation
Keywords
Kagok, Korean vocal music, Korean music, Kisaeng, Sondongjak
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
Copyright In-suk Lee