The development of Korean choral music

• Main Author: Min, In-Gi
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2001
• Subjects: Asian History; History; Music
• ISBN: 9780493700946; 0493700943

This study is among the first in-depth examinations of choral music in Korea. Covering the period since the introduction of Western music into Korea to the present, it reviews the relatively short history of Korean choral music, examines trends in both performance and composition, and predicts future developments. The introduction of Christianity into Korea in the late 1800's stimulated the developments of Korea's choral music tradition; Christianity remains a strong but not the only influence on Korean choral music. The last half of the 20th century in particular has seen remarkable growth in the quantity, quality, and diversity of choral music performance. This study introduces leading Korean choral conductors as well as the nation's major choirs/choruses and reviews choral music education and choral music movements in Korea. Choral singing in Korea may be classified into three main categories. The qualitative leaders are the professional choirs, which are fully funded, from the choristers' salaries to operating costs. Secondly, Christian music groups, formed for the purposes of both in-church worship and missionary activities, are a major part of choral music performance in Korea. Finally, amateur choirs have grown consistently in number since the 1980's. In conclusion, the study suggests that choral music in Korea will soon make a transition from a “consumptive” mode (introduction of Western choral music and its performance) to a “creative” mode (composition of new Korean choral music and its performance).