For the ‘Passage of ascending to Hwangseong’ from Simcheongga of Gayageum Byeongchang sung by Kang Jeong-Yeol, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the Jangdan accompaniment by two drummers Lee Seong-Geun (1999 released) and Jeong Hwa-Yo...
For the ‘Passage of ascending to Hwangseong’ from Simcheongga of Gayageum Byeongchang sung by Kang Jeong-Yeol, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the Jangdan accompaniment by two drummers Lee Seong-Geun (1999 released) and Jeong Hwa-Young (2010 performed live), examining the Jangdan execution shown in Gayageum Byeongchang accompaniment. The analysis was conducted on the passages of Jinyangjo ‘Simbongsa Laments after Losing Madam Ppaengdeok’, Jungmori ‘Say goodbye to an innkeeper’, Jungjungmori ‘Simbongsa Is Bathing’. In the study, Janggu melodies and Chuimsae were transcribed, Jangdan was compared according to melodic procession, and variant Jangdan was analyzed, based on the melodic composition of Gi(起)·Gyeong(景)·Gyeol (結)·Hae(解).
Firstly, in the Jinyang Jangdan, Lee Seong-Geun uses seven types of melodies across the entire eleven Jangdan. It reveals that referencing beats are relatively clearly presented, with a limited appearance of subsidiary melodies, allowing the singer to freely perform within a frame of Jangdan through the emphasis on Chuimsae and core beats. In addition, the accompaniment has a relatively distinct sequential operation of Gi·Gyeong·Gyeol·Hae. On the other hand, Jeong Hwa-Young employs nine types of melodies across the entire eleven Jangdan. He fills melodic gaps by using a variety of subsidiary melodies, Chuimsae, and variant patterns so creates certain form leading the musical flows. In addition, the study identified an operation corresponding to the melodic progression through the repetition and transition of melodic types.
Secondly, in the Jungmori Jangdan, Lee Seong-Geun applies fourteen types of melodies across the entire twenty-two Jangdan. The melodies are restrained or emptied, a frame of Jangdan is definitely presented based on Chuimsae and referencing beats, allowing the singer to perform freely. Moreover, a basic framework of Jangdan is maintained, which is centered on the first and ninth beats, with a simplified performance through restrained or emptied melodies. Jeong Hwa-Young uses twenty-one types of melodies across the entire twenty-two Jangdan. He leads the melodic flows with variant melodies and Chuimsae in response to melodic progression and rhythmic change. In addition, it allows us to feel the varied progression of Jangdan through the subdivided variant melodies, which highlights continuity across beats one through six.
Thirdly, in the Jungjungmori Jangdan, Lee Seong-Geun employs fifteen types of melodies across the entire twenty-six Jangdan. The structure of Jangdan is clearly presented centered on the first and ninth beats. In sections dense with lyrics and Sigimsae, he empties the melodies or presents referencing beats, and respects the melodic autonomy with Chuimsae. In addition, the three-beat framework is consistently maintained, and Jangdan is operated with the emptied and simplified melodies. Mainly at the twelfth beat, the piece is concluded with the Gungpyeon but sometimes with the Yeolpyeon depending on the situation. Jeong Hwa-Young uses twenty-three types of melodies across the entire twenty-six Jangdan. He uses both the Yeolpyeon and Gungpyeon together, showing the musical characteristic of enhancing a sense of progression and continuity through subsidiary melodies and Chuimsae. Furthermore, he employs the second and third beats in a flexible manner, and extends timbre and density through subdivided melodies and dynamics. He also shows the unconventional operation of Jangdan with the closing of the stressed eleventh beat, and executes irregular and ornamental melodies through the performance of Bokpan and the emphasis of certain beats.
As Gayageum Byeongchang is a genre derived from Pansori, the Janggu accompaniment also follows the drumming techniques of Pansori. Lee Seong-Geun has an accompaniment style clearly articulating the framework of Jangdan through the reference beat, emptiness and Chuimsae. On the other hand, Jeong Hwa-Young organizes melodic gaps and expands a sense of continuity with the subsidiary melodies, variant patterns, and dynamics while handling both heads of the Janggu. This study has a limitation in that it was only conducted for a single passage and specific Jangdan (Jinyang, Jungmori, and Jungjungmori). In addition, there are few studies on drumming techniques though Lee Seong-Geun was designated as a holder of Pansori Drumming as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Jeollabuk-do.
This study transcribed the accompaniment melodies of the ‘Passage of ascending to Hwangseong’ and conducted the comparative analysis of the differences in styles of two drummers. Further studies are needed to classify the accompaniment Jangdan of Gayageum Byeongchang and establish its variations with an extended scope of more performers and passages.