This study examines the traditional music theory of Eastern society, re-examines the ultimate meaning of the Confucian ‘Ye-Ak idea’, and how it is contained in Korean traditional music. The thought of Ye-Ak was compiled by Confucius for a long time an ...
This study examines the traditional music theory of Eastern society, re-examines the ultimate meaning of the Confucian ‘Ye-Ak idea’, and how it is contained in Korean traditional music. The thought of Ye-Ak was compiled by Confucius for a long time and was created through the thoughts and research of numerous scholars over the years. The focus is on actually restoring human nature and achieving the peace of mind of the country through music. Therefore, it is very important to look at how the ideological theory was applied in music.
The literary basis for oriental music theory can be found in various places. Early in the temporal "Ju-Rye(周禮)" or "Gug-Eo(國語)" it is mainly dealing with the story related to the enactment of the traditional oriental scales. It was after the Han(漢) that the theory of evil began to take on a rather complicated pattern in relation to 『Ju-Yeog(周易)』 and astronomy. From this period, music theory generally begins to become ideological.
This ideological music theory has had a great influence on intellectuals in Korea due to the transmission of 'Seong-Li-Hak(性理學)'.
In particular, in the early Joseon society where the Seong-Li-Hak was strong, “Music” was recognized as a medium to restore human nature. That is why he believed that through ‘Music,’ the people could be edified and right politics could be practiced. Therefore, the work of correcting music must follow a strict formality, and it has been defined as an important work of the monarch.
On the other hand, scholars of 'Sil-Hak' in the late Joseon Dynasty insist on an independent music theory. Of course, they also follow the Confucian tradition of music theory in theory, but they also positively accept Hyangak and Sokak, which have been considered improper in the real world. In particular, Jeong Yak-yong, a scholar who is bright in the study of the scriptures, greatly criticizes the music theory after the Han Dynasty. In this respect, the music theory, which remained in the ideological debate in the late Joseon Dynasty, and Jeong Yak-yong's evil theory are distinguished.
However, even Jeong Yak-yong has not been able to reveal how the traditional music theory was applied in relation to actual music. This is the commonality of not only Jeong Yak-yong, but also the music theorist we looked at before.
In this study, the score of 'Jong-Myo-Je-Ryeak' and'Yeo-Min-Rak' was analyzed. These two songs were intentionally composed in the early Joseon Dynasty, based on the Confucian rituals of Yeak. Therefore, representative analysis of the two songs revealed at least how the Confucian music theory permeated the music.