A STUDY OF MISSA ARIRANG BY COOL-JAE HUH: ELEMENTS OF KOREAN TRADITIONAL FOLK MUSIC

Abstract

This document focuses on a setting of the Ordinary of the Mass, Missa Arirang, composed by Cool-Jae Huh (b. 1965). Huh is one of South Korea's most prolific and innovative composers. He is especially known for his use of Korean folk songs in Western musical settings. In the Missa Arirang, Huh employs six traditional folk songs, called Min-yo from different provinces. The musical idioms of each type of folk song vary considerably. This study explores general information about Korean folk songs and the specific use of elements of Korean folk music, such as modes, rhythmic patterns, and unique ornamentations, which appear in this piece. Arirang, the title of the Mass, is the most famous and celebrated folk song in the history of Korea. It has served as the basis for pieces in almost all musical genres. This document investigates Arirang's significance in understanding Korean culture, and introduces the four versions of Arirang adopted in Huh's work. Missa Arirang is not only a compelling choral composition, containing Korean traditional musical aspects, but also a beneficial resource to introduce traditional Korean music to non-Korean musicians. In addition, the piece delivers the message of "peace" through various musical contents in the composition.