This study aimed to examine the modal variations in the Jinyangjo of Ajaeng Sanjo by Yun Seo-Kyung, investigating its structural characteristics and musical significance. The existing Ajaeng Sanjo has limitations in that it has no various modal variat...
This study aimed to examine the modal variations in the Jinyangjo of Ajaeng Sanjo by Yun Seo-Kyung, investigating its structural characteristics and musical significance. The existing Ajaeng Sanjo has limitations in that it has no various modal variations due to its tonal operation centered on Gyemyeonjo and restricted tuning. Therefore, the study conducted an analysis of Yun Seo-Kyung’s Ajaeng Sanjo, which contains a wider range of the tonality, and explored how the modes are developed and changed.
To this end, information about background of the work, and tonal and melodic execution were collected through an interview with the performer Yun Seo-Kyung. In addition, the study transcribed audio recordings and analyzed the melodies by Jangdan for the entire Jinyangjo Jangdan(Jangdan 1-42). The analysis was conducted in steps for identifying the occurring and main tones, classifying pitch functions, determining the mode for each Jangdan, and examining the patterns and processes of modulation.
The analysis reveals that the Jinyangjo consists of six sections and the opening section shows the mixed tonality where it begins with the Gyemyeonjo of A Boncheong, followed by an alternation between the Gyemyeonjo of D Boncheong and the Ujo of C Boncheong. Subsequently, the modes develop from the Ujo of C Boncheong and the Gyemyeonjo of C Boncheong to the Ujo of E♭ Boncheong and the Gyemyeonjo of F Boncheong, ultimately to the Gyemyeonjo of C Boncheong.
In this research, the term ‘modal variation’ is defined not as a narrow concept referring to the points at which modulation was established but as an overall concept embracing transition, contrast, and expansion shown in the maintenance of common tones, the reassignment of pitch functions, expression of Sigimsae, and a flow combined with sectional structure. In the analysis, six types of modal variations were derived: (1) ascending and descending transitions by the perfect fourth, (2) transition mediated by the same tones across the Jangdan boundary, (3) hinting at the weakened Boncheong functions, (4) preparation by six-beat Toeseong treatment, (5) establishing the contrast by prior presentation of Sigimsae, (6) transition of the formal unit combined with sectional cadence. Hence, it demonstrated that the modal variations of Jinyangjo are not a single event of modulation but a staged structural process shown in the melodic flows.
This study has significance in that it elaborated discussions of modal variations in terms of their actual operation based on Jangdan, which were mainly addressed by determining modes at sections in the existing Sanjo research. Furthermore, it demonstrated the Jinyangjo of Yun Seo-Kyung’s Ajaeng Sanjo shows not a simple repetition of the Gyemyeonjo but an extended modal structure in which modulation and contrast are organically constructed. The research findings demonstrate a limited modal operation in conventional Ajaeng Sanjo is developed in a more multilayered way in Yun Seo-Kyung’s Ajaeng Sanjo. Therefore, the study is expected to serve as basic data for furthering the analyses and discussions of the modal structure of Ajaeng Sanjo.