“Dazzling Sorrow”; a Canon Variation Played by A-Jeng

Many haegeum (Korean fiddle) musicians, including Jung Soo-nyun, Kang Eun-il, Kim Ae-ra, and Ccotbyul have surfaced as stars in recent years as the sound of the two-stringed instrument has gained popularity.

On the other hand, the a-jeng, a traditional Korean seven-string musical instrument that sounds sorrowful and mournful, has been largely ignored by Korean audiences.

Lee, Moon-soo (39), the executive musician of the KBS traditional music orchestra and the leader of the A-Jeng Ensemble (ARCO), has taken up the challenge to popularize both with his first crossover music album titled “Share (KBEAT Music).”

Lee noted, “I would say the resonance of the a-jeng is exemplified by the track called ‘Dazzling Sorrow,’ which is based on the feeling that we have when the summer heat haze lingers in the air. But when we play the a-jeng with Western instruments, extraordinary feelings arise as well.”

The a-jeng usually sounds sad when it follows a singer’s voice during Pansori (vocal and percussional music performed by one kwangdae [a singer] and one gosu [a drummer]). However, in his title song “Share” on his album, Lee offers us totally different melodies that bring forth easy and bountiful emotions. “A Funny String” features numerous string instruments, while in “Batnorae,” Jazz pianist Hahn Choong-wan’s accompaniment and Lee’s vocals are well matched as the a-jeng responds softly to Western instruments.

His “Canon Variation” (Johan Pachelbel, 1653-1706) with two large a-jengs (large 7-stringed instruments with a bow) and small a-jengs is remarkable. Lee said, “I have been playing the a-Jeng Sanjo, a style of traditional Korean music, involving an instrumental solo accompanied by drumming on the janggu, for 20 years. But I initiated a new style of music because Korean classicial music has only been performed and enjoyed by Korean classical musicians in the past.”

raphy@donga.com