This study examines the Haegeum Sanjo concerto. It reviews its historical development and compositional patterns, and analyzes all existing works in the genre to identify their musical characteristics, ultimately leading to the following conclusions. ...
This study examines the Haegeum Sanjo concerto. It reviews its historical development and compositional patterns, and analyzes all existing works in the genre to identify their musical characteristics, ultimately leading to the following conclusions.
First, the Haegeum Sanjo Concerto emerged as a new form of repertoire alongside the founding of Korean traditional orchestras. It developed in response to the orchestras’ musical orientation and performance demands. In chronological terms, following the foundation of the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra in 1965, the need for new repertoire led to the premiere of Haegeum Concerto No. 1 by Lee Kang-deok in 1972. During the 1980s, with the establishment of numerous traditional orchestras, the demand for performances of haegeum concertos increased substantially. Consequently, in the 1990s, newly arranged Haegeum Sanjo Concertos were actively composed and performed. In the 2000s, performances continued steadily, but a tendency emerged toward concentrating on arrangements based on the Ji Yeong-hee school. In the 2010s, a shift toward creative orchestral works led to a relative decline in traditional-based Haegeum Sanjo Concertos. In the 2020s, a resurgence of interest in traditional music and renowned sanjo works has led to renewed compositional activity in this genre.
Second, most Haegeum Sanjo concertos are based on direct quotations of original Sanjo melodies, with minimal alterations. Some works exhibit melodic transformations, repetitions, or rearrangements of the original sequence. Among the works analyzed, Haegeum Concerto No. 1 by Lee Kang-deok demonstrates melodic modification, while in a few others, partial repetition or reordered use of the melodic material is observed. In terms of how the original melody is applied within the piece, early compositions employed the melody in both the solo haegeum and the orchestra. However, beginning with Lee Joon-ho’s Seoyongseok-ryu, the melody is primarily assigned to the solo haegeum, with the orchestra taking on a supportive role. This shift reflects a functional differentiation in which the solo haegeum presents the original melody, while the orchestra functions as accompaniment.
Third, the movement structure of Haegeum Sanjo Concertos has evolved over time, diverging from traditional Sanjo forms by incorporating additional sections such as introductions, preludes, interludes, cadenzas, and finales. In early compositions, there was no separate introduction, and the pieces typically began with a Jinyang prelude, where the orchestra simply accompanied the solo haegeum. As time progressed, the Jinyang prelude was gradually expanded and eventually separated into a distinct introductory movement. This allowed for more musical experimentation and enabled the orchestra to present independent thematic material, resulting in a natural expansion of the orchestra’s role and prominence within the concerto.
Fourth, the relationship between the solo haegeum and the orchestra can be categorized into melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic support. Harmonic support techniques include dyad, single chords, broken chords, and complex harmonies. In early works, the orchestra did not divide its parts, and horizontal timbral variation was mainly achieved by switching the supporting instruments. Single chords were used only briefly and did not develop into harmonic progressions. As part division became more common, dyad and broken chords were more actively utilized. In more recent compositions, the introduction of modified traditional and Western instruments enhanced the lower register, enabling the formation of vertical harmonic textures and facilitating the frequent use of polyphonic support based on complex harmonies.
This study provides a comprehensive examination of the development and structural transformation of the Haegeum Sanjo Concerto, offering detailed analysis of its musical characteristics. The results of this research are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the genre and support its continued expansion through the arrangement and performance of new concertos based on previously unarranged sanjo styles.