Sook Dae Mori
for flute, violin, and piano (7:00)
Sook dae mori is a scene from the pansori “Chunhyangga,” a Korean opera centered around the ill-fated love between the commoner Chunhyang and nobleman Mong-ryong. Sook dae mori literally translates to “my messy hair,” as in this scene Chunhyang has been wrongfully imprisoned away from her beloved. |
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This song depicts the Korean notion of Han, a feeling of lament or resentment over injustice or conflict that cannot be actively resolved by the one suffering. My interpretation of this song expands on the themes of yearning, helplessness, and resentment over separation, which eventually gives way to inner calm and a spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Lyrics
With messy hair, like a ghost in this cold prison,
Thinking only of my love.
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you...
My grave will mark how I wait for you,
The trees near my grave will become sangsamok (trees thinking of each other).
This regret, that extends before birth and after death,
Who will know of it?!
My messy hair...
Commissioned and premiered by the Dareumi Gahteum Project at Seongsu Art Hall, Seoul, South Korea, November 9th, 2022
Lyrics
With messy hair, like a ghost in this cold prison,
Thinking only of my love.
I miss you, I miss you, I miss you...
My grave will mark how I wait for you,
The trees near my grave will become sangsamok (trees thinking of each other).
This regret, that extends before birth and after death,
Who will know of it?!
My messy hair...
Commissioned and premiered by the Dareumi Gahteum Project at Seongsu Art Hall, Seoul, South Korea, November 9th, 2022