kagok

music

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June 30, 2026

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The term "kagok" refers to a genre of Korean vocal music consisting of 26 solo songs and one duet. These songs are accompanied by a small ensemble typically including a k\u014fmungo (six-stringed zither), se\u2019piri (small double-reed aerophone), taeg\u016dm (large bamboo flute), haeg\u016dm (two-stringed fiddle), and changgo (hourglass drum). This form is considered a type of court music.1

Korean music, in general, has a rich indigenous tradition influenced by Chinese and Mongol cultures. It is characterized by unique musical styles, including shaman music with its distinctive rhythms and microtonal slides, and court instrumental music that reflects a blend of native and imported elements.1

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Korean music
Vocal music
…rarest older forms is the kagok, which consists of 26 five-section solo songs and one duet. Accompaniments and interludes are provided by a small ensemble that usually consists of a kŏmungo (six-stringed zither), a se’piri (a small double-reed aerophone), a taegŭm (large bamboo flute), a haegŭm (two-stringed fiddle), and a…
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…rarest older forms is the kagok, which consists of 26 five-section solo songs and one duet. Accompaniments and interludes are provided by a small ensemble that usually consists of a kŏmungo (six-stringed zither), a se’piri (a small double-reed aerophone), a taegŭm (large bamboo flute), a haegŭm (two-stringed fiddle), and a…
Read More