Cithare Geomungo, Traditions de la Péninsule

Sanjo is a Korean instrumental solo genre characterized by a continuous suite of increasingly faster movements performed by a single melodic instrument with rhythmic accompaniment on the janggu (hourglass drum). It is best known through gayageum sanjo, but parallel traditions exist for geomungo, daegeum, haegeum, piri, and other instruments. The music unfolds through set rhythmic cycles (jangdan) that accelerate from very slow to very fast, while the soloist spins ornate, semi-improvised variations on core motifs. Typical modes (jo) include pyeongjo and gyemyeonjo, and the performance relies on signature ornaments (sigimsae) such as slides, microtonal bends, and vibrato. Sanjo is deeply expressive—moving from introspective pathos to exhilarating virtuosity—and is a cornerstone of modern Korean traditional performance practice.

Jeongak is the refined classical court and aristocratic music of Korea, encompassing ritual (aak), Chinese-derived (dangak), and native court (hyangak) traditions under a broader aesthetic of elegance, restraint, and balance. It is performed on an ensemble of wind, string, and percussion instruments such as piri and daegeum (oboes and transverse bamboo flutes), haegeum (two‑string fiddle), gayageum and geomungo (zithers), and various drums and gongs. The style emphasizes calm tempi, cyclical rhythmic patterns (jangdan), heterophonic texture, and subtle ornamentation (sigimsae and nonghyeon). Core repertory includes suites like Yeongsanhoesang and Boheoja and the stately music for royal ancestral rites (Jongmyo Jeryeak). Jeongak is closely associated with Confucian court culture and literati ideals, privileging poise, precision, and contemplative beauty.