Akhak Gwebeom, a Rich Heritage of Court Music and Dances of Korea
Discover the first comprehensive encyclopedia of musical arts published during the Joseon period
Outdoor Performance of Sejongjo HoeryeyeonNational Gugak Center
What type of book is Akhak Gwebeom?
Akhak Gwebeom, the first illustrated treatise on court music and dances compiled in 1493 during the reign of King Seongjong, was created by court officials including Seong Hyeon, Yu Ja-gwang and Sin Mal-pyeong, who had profound knowledge of music.
Akhak Gwebeom, Chapter 3National Gugak Center
Akhak Gwebeom of the National Gugak Center
Compiled in 1743 during the reign of King Yeongjo, the edition housed in the collection of the National Gugak Center has been designated as a National Important Science and Technology Material and Tangible Cultural Heritage of Seoul. The preface contains writing by King Yeongjo, further enhancing its historical significance.
Civil dance performance of Sejongjo HoeryeonNational Gugak Center
Composition and the content of Akhak Gwebeom
Akhak Gwebeom addresses nine major topics in three volumes, thoroughly covering matters ranging from Korean music theory and instrumental arrangement to the procedures of court dances and the structure and tuning of traditional instruments. It also details the shapes and production of various ceremonial objects, ensuring that the court music and dances of the Joseon Dynasty could be preserved for posterity.
Akhak Gwebeom, Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Akhak Gwebeom presents theories on music, including the twelve pitches and modes that serve as the standard for the pitches of traditional Korean music.
Akhak Gwebeom, Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of Akhak Gwebeom presents the music, musical scores, instructions on how to play musical instruments, and instrumental arrangements for state ceremonies. This ensures that music, song, and dance are conducted properly according to the required procedures.
Munmyo JeryeakNational Gugak Center
Ritual music recorded in Akhak Gwebeom
One piece of ritual music documented in Akhak Gwebeom is Munmyo Jeryeak, which was the music and dance performed during the ritual ceremony at a Confucian shrine dedicated to Confucius and other sages. Enjoy a staged performance of Munmyo Jeryeak by the National Gugak Center.
Akhak Gwebeom, Chapters 3-5
Chapters 3 to 5 of Akhak Gwebeom present court dances. They include written descriptions and illustrations of each dance, providing insights into the dances of that time as well as the accompanying music.
Performance of Hak Yeonhwadae Cheyongmu hapseol (Dance of the Crane, Lotus Flower and Cheoyong) (2016-04-19) by 국립국악원National Gugak Center
Court dances recorded in Akhak Gwebeom
One notable dance recorded in Akhak Gwebeom is the Hak-Yeonhwadae-Cheoyongmu-Hapseol. This dance combines elements from three traditional dances: the crane dance(Hak-chum), the lotus flower dance(Yeonhwadaemu), and the Dance of Cheoyong(Cheoyongmu). During the Joseon period, this dance was performed at the court on the last day of December to ward off evil spirits and bid farewell to the passing year. Enjoy Hak-Yeonhwadae-Cheoyongmu-Hapseol by the National Gugak Center.
Akhak Gwebeom, Chapters 6-7
Chapters 6 and 7 of Akhak Gwebeom contain descriptions of musical instruments. They include illustrations depicting the complete shape of each instrument and provide detailed information about their materials and dimensions. This meticulous documentation aims to facilitate the accurate production of identical instruments.
Compare the gayageum(12-stringed zither) recorded in Akhak Gwebeom with the gayageum played today.
Compare the haegeum(two-stringed fiddle) recorded in Akhak Gwebeom 600 years ago with the haegeum played today.
Compare the taepyeongso(double-reed oboe) recorded in Akhak Gwebeom with the taepyeongso played today.
Akhak Gwebeom, Chapters 8-9
Chapter 8 introduces the costumes, various items, and dance props used in court dances. Lastly, Chapter 9 details the official attire worn by musicians and performers, and costumes for child dancers, providing comprehensive information that enables accurate recreations of these costumes.
Compare the pogumun(prop for court dance Pogurak) recorded in Akhak Gwebeom with the pogumun used in contemporary stage performances.
Compare the crane in Hak-Yeonhwadae-Cheoyongmu-Hapseol described in Akhak Gwebeom with its modern version that appears in contemporary stage performances.
Poster of Sejongjo HoeryeonNational Gugak Center
Value of Akhak Gwebeom
The compilation of Akhak Gwebeom significantly furthered the development of Joseon's philosophy of ritual music by ensuring that the standard instrumental music, song, and dance of state ceremonies could be performed throughout the Joseon period. The court music and dances documented in Akhak Gwebeom have been preserved and passed down to the present day, and they are now being showcased worldwide.
Performance of Sejongjo Hoeryeon (2018-05-26) by National Gugak CenterNational Gugak Center
Artistic performance of Akhak Gwebeom
The National Gugak Center presents a diverse range of performing arts that draw inspiration from the heritage of traditional Korean music, such as Akhak Gwebeom. One of these performances is the Sejongjo Hoeryeyeon(King Sejong's Court Banquet), a stage production that vividly brings the rituals of the Sejong era to life. This performance provides a unique opportunity to experience how Akhak Gwebeom has been reimagined and transformed into a compelling contemporary art.
See King Yeongjo’s edition of Akhak Gwebeom(1743) held in the collection of the National Gugak Center, here.
Production: Research Bureau of National Gugak Center
General Manager: Kim Myeong-seok
Overall Planning: Kim So-ri
Proceeding of Planning & Editing: Hong Se-ah
References
National Gugak Center, Source Materials for Korean Musicology, Volume 26: Akhak Gwebeom, King Yeongjo’s Edition, 1988.
National Gugak Center, Korean Musicology Series, Volume 5: Newly Translated Akhak Gwebeom, 2000.
National Gugak Center, Akhak Gwebeom, 2011.
