April 24, 2024
KCNA Uriminzokkiri (En)

Progenitor of Kayagum

Date: 26/11/2021 | Source: Uriminzokkiri (En) | Read original version at source

Uruk was a famous musician who pioneered the kayagum-played music in Korea. From childhood he loved singing and was quite interested in different types of sound. To him, even the wind shaking branches of trees meant the sound of music and the merry laughter of women gathering at the well to bring water in the jar on their head was also developed into his musical notes.

Uruk assiduously assimilated the musical achievements of his ancestors while working with all his wisdom to create new things.

A greater part of his effort was directed to the making of a new kind of instrument which could fully represent the beautiful land and the noble life of the local people. Through years of painstaking effort he managed to make an instrument called kayagum.

As it can give a fantastic presentation of the human sentiments through delicate techniques of performance, the instrument is the most favourite one of the Korean people at the moment as well as it was during the Middle Ages. The graceful and enchanting sound attracts the minds of all kinds.

Uruk toured different places from the mid-6th century, presenting his performances. In March 551 he performed in front of the king of Silla at his invitation, earning his great favour. Later he resided in the present Chungju region, creating musical pieces and training young kayagum players. His disciples like Popji, Kyego and Mandok were talented musicians of the time, who created and disseminated a lot of pieces.

Throughout his life Uruk made as many as 185 musical pieces for kayagum performance based on folk songs and dancing musical pieces of different regions.

As a prominent composer, player and teacher of kayagum, he made a tangible contribution to the development of Korea’s national music.

More From Uriminzokkiri (En)

Idea and Spirit of December Plenary Meeting Deeply Studied in DPRK

Idea and Spirit of December Plenary Meeting Deeply Studied in DPRK

City and county organizations of the Workers' Party of Korea are making an intensive study to deeply grasp the idea and spirit of

January 09, 2024

City and county organizations of the Workers' Party of Korea are making an intensive study to deeply grasp the idea and spirit of

Korean People Turn Out in General Advance of New Year

Korean People Turn Out in General Advance of New Year

The Korean people, who successfully passed the third year of the implementation of the five-year plan for national economic

January 09, 2024

The Korean people, who successfully passed the third year of the implementation of the five-year plan for national economic

KPA General Staff Issues Report

KPA General Staff Issues Report

The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Sunday: According to the ratification of the

January 08, 2024

The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Sunday: According to the ratification of the

Sincere Devotion

Sincere Devotion

There are many people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who regard love of and devotion to others as their duty.

January 07, 2024

There are many people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who regard love of and devotion to others as their duty.

KPA General Staff Issues Report

KPA General Staff Issues Report

Pyongyang, January 5 (KCNA) -- The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Friday: On the

January 07, 2024

Pyongyang, January 5 (KCNA) -- The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Friday: On the

Saussurea seoulensis Syringin

Saussurea seoulensis Syringin

Saussurea seoulensis syringin developed by the Kuryongsan Pharmaceutical Manufactory is winning growing favour among users as the

January 06, 2024

Saussurea seoulensis syringin developed by the Kuryongsan Pharmaceutical Manufactory is winning growing favour among users as the

“Girl Mother”

“Girl Mother”

Among those who took the floor at the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in May Juche 104 (2015)

January 06, 2024

Among those who took the floor at the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in May Juche 104 (2015)

Papers Call for Dynamic Advance toward Greater Victory

Papers Call for Dynamic Advance toward Greater Victory

Leading newspapers of the DPRK Thursday editorially call upon the officials and working people to successfully carry out the tasks

January 05, 2024

Leading newspapers of the DPRK Thursday editorially call upon the officials and working people to successfully carry out the tasks

Korean People Celebrate New Year 2024

Korean People Celebrate New Year 2024

All the people and service personnel of the Korean People’s Army greeted the New Year Juche 113 (2024) significantly. Visitors

January 03, 2024

All the people and service personnel of the Korean People’s Army greeted the New Year Juche 113 (2024) significantly. Visitors

Grand Art Performance in Celebration of New Year 2024

Grand Art Performance in Celebration of New Year 2024

Pyongyang, January 2 (KCNA) -- The grand art performance in celebration of the New Year 2024 is going on with splendor amid the

January 03, 2024

Pyongyang, January 2 (KCNA) -- The grand art performance in celebration of the New Year 2024 is going on with splendor amid the

Gala Evening of Youth and Students Celebrates New Year 2024

Gala Evening of Youth and Students Celebrates New Year 2024

A gala evening of youth and students took place at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital city of Pyongyang on December 31, 2023 on New

January 02, 2024

A gala evening of youth and students took place at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital city of Pyongyang on December 31, 2023 on New

National Flag-hoisting Ceremony and Fireworks Display Mark New Year

National Flag-hoisting Ceremony and Fireworks Display Mark New Year

A national flag-hoisting ceremony was solemnly held on January 1, Juche 113 (2024), at Kim Il Sung Square. At 00:00 sharp, a bell

January 02, 2024

A national flag-hoisting ceremony was solemnly held on January 1, Juche 113 (2024), at Kim Il Sung Square. At 00:00 sharp, a bell

To Train Reserve Singers

To Train Reserve Singers

The Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace in Mangyongdae District in the capital city of Pyongyang is a base for extracurricular

January 01, 2024

The Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace in Mangyongdae District in the capital city of Pyongyang is a base for extracurricular

More Articles