In
addition to the Chong-ak and Misogak styles, there are several other
important traditional music genres such as the Buddhist Pomp'ae, ritual
music and Chongmyo ceremonial music. Pomp'ae, with its long, drawn-out
notes, is occasionally played at Buddhist ceremonies, but is rarely
performed at concerts. As a result, the group of musicians able to perform
Pomp'ae is limited to a few monks.
Ritual
music includes that which is played during rites honoring confucian
sages as well as during Chongmyo ceremonial music during rites honoring
Choson Dynasty kings. The former is known as Eng-anjiak while the latter
consists of two repertoires known as Pot'aep'yong and Chongdaeop. Pot'aep'yong,
the music played especially during the Chongmyo ritual, has a mysterious
and inspirational quality.
When performed
for the solemn rites at the Chongmyo complex (a unique architectural
masterpiece that has been registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
List), Pot'aep'yong music evokes a feeling of tremendous artistic purity.
The harmonious quality of the music is remarkable in itself; yet, even
more amazing is the meticulous use of instrumental arrangement to symbolize
the East Asian philosophy of Cum-yang and the five elements. |