Among the heritage of the Korean folk music is 12-chae peasant music tuning.
The 12-chae tuning unique to peasant music is performed with national percussion instruments like kkoenggwari (small gong), jing (gong), janggo (hourglass drum) and drum. Chae means tune.
Tuning qualities are determined by jing chime. In other words, the level of tuning is decided by the number of jing chimes.
Tuning can be duly made when kkoenggwari , jing , drum , janggo and other instruments are played in good harmony.
The tuning notes are related with dance representation as they were completed as a means for accompanying peasant dance.
The tuning performance is made merely with particular signal, gesture, winking or nodding, without musical notes. The tone and rhythm are instantaneously synchronized to go well with tuning. Even when hundreds of people from different groups play together in a peasant music contest, they can achieve a wonderful ensemble without producing any dissonant tone.
For its representational features the 12- chae peasant music tuning is unique to the Korean nation. It also produces irresistibly passionate feelings and pleasure to draw the audience to dance.
The tuning with a long historical tradition is carried forward as a precious folk heritage item of the Korean nation.
Kim Son Yong, PhD, associate professor and researcher of the Folklore Institute under the Academy of Social Sciences
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