“Daechwita (대취타)” was the music played during a king’s outing or when military units marched from one place to another. “Chwita” (취타) literally means “to blow” and “to hit,” and we use it to mean “to play wind and percussion instruments”. It would have been difficult to play string instruments like the geomungo (거문고) or gayageum (가야금) while on the move, so easily portable drums and pipes would have been perfect for marching. That was why the traditional parade music was called “Daechwita.” The wind instruments played in “Daechwita” were called “nagak (나각),” which came in two different shapes – a conch and a trumpet – but were capable of playing only one sound. But when the taepyeongso, capable of making melodies, was added, it created richer and more majestic music.
Daechwita/ Performed by the Court Music Orchestra, National Gugak Center
That was “Daechwita” performed by the Court Music Orchestra of the National Gugak Center. In general, Korean traditional woodwind instruments are made with bamboo. But the taepyeongso’s main body is made with hard jujube or willow tree, and a thin reed called a “seo (서)” is placed at the end where the player places their lips. At the other end of the body is a funnel-shaped metal amplifier called the “dongpallang (동팔랑),” which helps carry sound over a long distance. The taepyeongso is one of the loudest and most energetic-sounding wind instruments, making it perfect for outdoor performances. Jongmyo court music, ceremonial pieces played for the Joseon royal family, is categorized into “Botaepyeong (보태평),” which praises the scholarly virtues of the past kings, and “Jeongdaeup (정대업),” which marks their military feats. The taepyeongso is usually played for “Jeongdaeup” to make the piece sound more powerful and majestic. The word “taepyeong” in the instrument’s name comes from the same word indicating peace and prosperity. The melodies of the taepyeongso carry people’s hope for a stable and prosperous period of peace. The taepyeongso also occupies an important role in farm music. Let’s listen to “Neungge (능게),” one of the better-known taepyongso tunes.
Neungge/ Taepyeongso played by Lee Saeng-gang
That was “Neungge” by taepyeongso virtuoso Lee Saeng-gang. The taepyeongso is known by various other names, such as “hojeok (호적)” or “soinab (쇄납).” “Hojeok” means a woodwind instrument that originated from Mongolia, and “soinab” is the Koreanized name for ancient wind instruments from Persia or northern India. The taepyeongso was supposedly brought to the Korean Peninsula from Mongolia at the end of the Goryeo Kingdom in the 14th century. They were first made in the western Asian region and then spread to other areas via the Silk Road. In India, an instrument resembling the taepyeongso is played for funeral processions. Judging from that instance, we can assume that if instruments have similar sounds and structures, their roles in any culture or country tend to be similar as well. When a person leaves this world after having lived a virtuous life, the deceased person’s family or friends would have a music piece played on the taepyeongso to wish their beloved a peaceful afterlife. Today’s Sounds of Korea will conclude with Ahn Eun-gyeong’s taepyeongso performance of “Since You Are Dancing, I’m Dancing.”
Since You Are Dancing, I’m Dancing / Taepyeongso by Ahn Eun-gyeong