Samulnori Live Performance in France Soleil Theater

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- Kim Duk-Soo Biography
- Introduction

Introduction of "Samul-Nori"

SamulNori's music is based on the rhythms of traditional Korean folk
percussion music. The name SamulNori literally means "the play of four
things." The four things refer to the four percussive instruments. Each
instrument is associated with an element in nature.
They play the harmony of cosmos linking up nature and human being in
accordance with the rule of Yin and Yang's change.

K'kwaenggwari (small gong) is made mainly of brass with trace of gold or
silver. It is hand held and played with a bamboo mallet. One hand holds the
mallet while the other hand is responsible for dampening the sound
produced. The player of this instrument often plays the role of leader,
signaling transitions in the music. As each instrument is associated with an
element in nature, the k'kwaenggwari is related to lightening.

The Ching is a large gong that is struck with a padded stick. This instrument
can be played in a number of ways: hung on a frame, hand-held by handle,
or played with two hands.
Ching should make an osculating sound, imitating the shape of the valleys of
Korea. Thus, Ching is associated with the wind.

The JangGo is often called the hourglass drum, referring to its shape. The
drum has two sides, each with a different types of leather skin. One side
produces a high pitched sound. This instrument is associated with rain.

The Buk is a barrel drum, made of a piece of hollow out wood and two
leather skins tied to the wood. It is played by a single stick and provides the
bass sounds of the group. The buk is related to the clouds