A Study on Korean Art Song Tradition with Emphasis on Vocal Works by Female Composers: Hanbyeol Kang, Wonju Lee, Soon-Ae Kim, and JaeEun Park

Abstract

The Korean art song, Gagok (가곡), a genre rooted in the traditional poetic form Sijo and influenced by Western hymnals, has evolved significantly throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. English hymnals were introduced to late nineteenth-century Korea by the missionaries Horace G. Underwood (1859–1916) from a Northern Presbyterian mission and Henry G. Appenzeller (1858–1902) from a Northern Methodist mission. Throughout the period of Japanese rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945, Changga (창가) emerged as a form of secular song that aimed to promote the ideology of civilization development and independence while fostering a sense of patriotism. Public interest in art songs increased through 1960 with larger concerts, private recitals, recordings, and broadcasts. With the establishment of the Korean Composer Association (대한 음악가 협회) in the early 1960s, art song composition became more prevalent. Composers in the 20th and early 21st centuries started composing songs in their unique style.This study examines the works of four female composers– Hanbyeol Kang (b.1993), Wonju Lee (b.1979), Soon-Ae Kim (1920–2007), and JaeEun Park (b.1956)– to explore how they have used art songs to reflect and challenge the historical and social contexts of Korea. New beliefs, internal strife, and social upheavals in Korean culture influenced their cultural and artistic innovation in music. Through a feminist lens, this study analyzes how these composers’ works have contributed to a broader understanding of Korean women’s experiences and struggles. Drawing inspiration from female poets of various eras, these composers offered a unique perspective on the complexities of gender roles and societal expectations. Female composers in the 20th and 21st centuries have been influenced by Korean female poets, creating music that reflects historical events. Those poetic works are of female poets from the Joseon Dynasty, such as Nanseolheon Huh (1563–1589) and Maechang Yi (1573–1610), as well as modern poets, such as Namjo Kim (1927–2003) and Jeonghee Go (1948–1991). The four composers incorporated Korean cultural elements into their vocal works, inspired by the works of Korean female poets and traditional musical elements. Their poetry frequently delved into the complex issues of female social status in the Joseon Dynasty, and the broader social and political upheavals of the Korean War and the Gwangju Democratization Movement. Furthermore, this study provides an in-depth exploration of selected art songs and overview of Korean Art songs. It explores distinctive textual elements, traditional instrumentation, and cultural influences that shaped Korean art song as a genre. The study delves into the use of unique Korean textual elements, traditional instruments, and cultural influences. It explores distinctive textual elements, traditional instrumentation, and cultural influences that shaped Korean art song as a genre. The study delves into the use of unique Korean textual elements, traditional instruments, and cultural influences.