Artist : Byungki Hwang
Title : The Labyrinth - Kayagum Masterpieces Vol.3
Genre : Avantgarde
Year : 2001
Date : 05/2010
Bitrate : VBR kbps
Tracks : 06
Label : C & L Music
Source : CDDA
Encoder : Lame 3.97
Length : 37:47 min
Size : 41,7 MB
Tracklist:
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01.the labyrinth 17:53
02.beside a chrysanthemum 09:20
03.sanun 1 03:49
04.sanun 2 03:24
05.sanun 3 01:36
06.sanun 4 01:45
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37:47 min
Byungki Hwang is one of the foremost
performers on the kayagum, a multi-
stringed zither from Korea (similar to
the koto or guzheng). While rooted
heavily in tradition, however, he has
been one of the primary forces of
innovation in Korean art-music.
According to the liner notes of The
Labyrinth - Kayagum Masterpieces Vol. 3,
he can be attributed to bridging the gap
between folk and court music traditions
in korea, as well as pushing the role of
composer to the fore, without pursuing
more Westernized directions. Hwang has
long been engaged in the music of Korea
but also contributed to the academic
discourse of Western art music
(including essays on John Cage).
My limited description above only offers
a glimpse into the unique soundworld of
Hwang's music. Admittedly my own
explorations have been just a taste
too... but enough to fall in love with
his unique voice within an already
incredible rich vocabulary (I love
Korean classical music!). While some of
his works (as heard on, for instance,
2007's Darha Nopigom - (Vol. 5 of the
masterpieces series)) exhibit a
exquisite, restrained approach to a more
tradition sonic palette, the music on
The Labyrinth (particular the titular
piece) offers a contrasting image with
wild colours abound including bowing the
instrument and eerie vocal
interjections.