An Interpretational Analysis of Implied Traditional Korean Musical Elements in the Opera Dalha, Bichuishiora by Ji Sungho

Abstract

Dalha, Bichuishiora, composed by Ji Sungho, is a dramatization of Jeongeupsa, an ancient Korean song of longing. In the opera, written in Western style, Ji adopts and incorporates melodic, vocal, and instrumental elements of traditional Korean music to create a Korean musical atmosphere. The elements of Korean traditional music used most prominently in sections and phrases of the opera are Aniri (spoken narration and dialogue), Yeoeum (meaningless vocal sounds), Nong (ornamentation), and Sigimsae (a traditional Korean style of musical expression and improvisation). The sections and phrases are to be expressed and performed according to specific methods for them to be stylistically accurate and faithful to Korean traditional music.