Taepyeongga

for flute, daegeum, violin, hageum, gayageum, & piano (10:00)

Taepyeongga is a word without an exact translation. This ancient folk song can be best described as a song of peace, to be sung when all is well in the kingdom, during a time when there is no famine, no war, and the land is prosperous. Initially I interpreted this song as a celebration, the farmers rejoice over a plentiful harvest, children dance and play in the streets, and women sing together in the market. However, when I paused to consider the deeper implications of the song, I thought of the reasons why people would feel the need to cherish time of peace. Throughout its history, Korea had been subject to countless wars, invasions, and conflicts at the hands of larger and more powerful nations, oftentimes caught in the crossfire of these other countries using the Korean peninsula as their battleground. This history lies at the center of this seemingly cheerful and upbeat song, and this quiet tragedy belies an even greater spirit of hope, determination, and the will to live and to find happiness in spite of suffering. 

​Commissioned and premiered by the Dareumi Gahteum Project at Seongsu Art Hall, Seoul, South Korea, November 9th, 2022