Akhak kwebon
Quick Summary
The Akhak kwebon is a significant Korean music handbook that first appeared in 1493. This nine-chapter work provides detailed illustrations of court instruments, including their fingerings and tunings. It also outlines costumes and accessories for ritual dances, as well as orchestral seating arrangements.1
The initial three chapters of the Akhak kwebon delve into music theory, demonstrating the continuation of the complete Chinese classical tradition. Differences are primarily noted in the pronunciation of Chinese characters used in terminology. The handbook also details a Korean mensural system, developed in the late 15th century, which uses columns of squares to indicate rhythm and tempo more clearly than many Chinese notations.1
The Akhak kwebon reflects a balance between native Korean and Chinese musical traditions, evident in the instrumentation of major court orchestras. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding historical Korean music, including its theoretical underpinnings and practical applications in courtly and ritualistic settings.1
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