On November 4, the Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Music Center will host a solo recital by Moon Hyun, a holder of the State Intangible Heritage for Gasa. Titled ‘12 Gasa Project II – Half-Singing of 4 Gasa and Gyeongje Sijo: Life:Song,’ the performance aims to share the musical depth and literary beauty of traditional Gasa with modern audiences.
Moon Hyun’s Journey to Preserve Traditional Gasa
The ‘12 Gasa Project’ is a long-term initiative by Moon Hyun to perform all twelve designated Gasa (a form of long narrative song) pieces sequentially. Following a successful first performance in Gimpo this past June, Moon’s upcoming Seoul concert focuses on faithfully reproducing traditional vocal techniques while making the musical and literary nuances of the art form more accessible to contemporary listeners.
In this second installment, Moon will present four of the twelve Gasa works in a ‘half-singing’ format. By incorporating Gyeongje Sijo (a specific style of classical lyric song), the program showcases the diverse musical range of Jeongga—the refined vocal music tradition of the Korean upper class. This approach serves to re-examine the profound nature of 전통 성악 through a modern lens.
A Harmony of Diverse Repertoire and Stage Artistry
The performance features four Gasa classics: ‘Chunmyeongok,’ ‘Jukjisa,’ ‘Eobusa,’ and ‘Maehwaga.’ These will be complemented by Gyeongje Pyeong-sijo ‘Gukhwaya,’ Saseol Jireum-sijo ‘Haktago,’ and Sujapga ‘Changnaegoja.’ Each piece carries unique poetic language and emotional depth, which Moon intends to highlight through disciplined 성악 technique and controlled breathing.
To enhance the artistic experience, the production integrates dance, video projections, and detailed commentary to help the audience immerse themselves in the delicate sentiments of the songs. The musical accompaniment will feature Daegum (bamboo flute) player Kim Sang-jun and Janggu (hourglass-shaped drum) player Hong Seok-bok, both members of the National Gugak Center’s Jeongak Group, to provide an authentic presentation of traditional court and scholarly music.
Experiencing the Depth of Traditional Vocal Music
Subtitled ‘Life:Song,’ this concert seeks to preserve the original form of 전통 Gasa while fostering communication with modern audiences. It offers a rare opportunity to appreciate not just the musical aesthetics, but also the philosophical and humanistic essence embedded in traditional Korean music.
By retracing these historic vocal paths, the performance is expected to provide a meaningful experience for those who appreciate the depth and charm of Korean traditional music.