Four instruments in Samul Nori ensemble. Farmer’s Music. Essay

Samul Nori in direct translation is broken down into Samul which means to play and Nori which means four things. The four instruments that these ensembles are compromised of are the buk (barrel drum), the janggu (hourglass-shaped drum), the jing (gong), and a kkwaenggwari (small gong). The four instruments in the Samul Nori ensemble directly correlate to an element in nature. The buk (barrel drum), is made of a hollowed out piece of wood with two leather skins tied to the wood and is played with a single stick, is directly related to the clouds. The reason these two are directly correlated is because it provides the bass sound like thundering clouds that would provide water to cultivate the land. The janggu (hourglass-shaped drum), this drum has two sides and different leather heads with one side being a higher pitch, it is directly associated with the element of rain. The jing (gong), this gong is typically played in a variety of ways including hand held or hung from a frame, it is directly associated with the wind. The reason why this instrument has more connection to this element is because it should make an oscillating sound that are said to imitate the shape of Korean Valleys. The last component which is the kkwaenggwari (small gong), this is mainly made of brass and is hand held to be played with a bamboo mallet, it is the instrument directly connected to the element of lightening. This is the most important instrument of the ensemble that plays the role of leader by determining and signaling the transitions of the music. The music of these ensembles are based off the rhythmic patterns of traditional Korean folk music.
Famers Music
Samul Nori music is a direct transformation of the farmers' band music which was typically held outside with many acrobats and high energy dance. Farmers' music dates way back to the third century of Korea's history. The reason the villagers used music was to increase productivity of the workers. It made the environment more pleasant and the workers used it as a motivation and a stimulant to work hard. These groups also became a form of entertainment during special occasions and holidays. Over time these groups have become a traditional form of music that was enjoyable to everyone and was passed from one generation to the next. This style of music on a broader perspective was called nong'ak, which included dance, and it was half of the influence to Samul Nori. The other half was sadang which were groups of traveling entertainers that were heavily influenced by shamanistic values and traditions. A major part of these groups were focused on performing Kut which is the name of shamanistic rituals. Samul Nori was developed after these two in order to represent kut in a new like that adapted to the developed tastes of the Korean people. This form of entertainment has changed from the fields and old village courtyard to concert halls and televised studio performances.