만당 한국음악론의 구조적 시각

Abstract

Among his many accomplishments, the late Lee Hye-ku 李惠求 [Yi Hye-gu] (1909-2010), a great scholar, devoted himself in arranging theories on structures of Korean music. Arguments among the scholars as well as the need for compiling Korean music theory would have probably weighed heavily upon him. Therefore, Dr. Lee comprehensively reviewed books and journals related to Korean music theory, and tried to establish detailed and systematized theory. As result, the Han'guk ŭmak iron 『韓國音樂理論』(Theory of Korean Music) was published in 2005. This book is meaningful that it compiles and reviews all of Dr. Lee's academic outcomes. First of all, Dr. Lee categorized the most important key words in Korean traditional music into three parts, the rhythmic cycle (changdan 長短), melodics, and forms, and then proceeded to conceptualize other necessary elements that are subordinate to them. Among his discussions, many of Dr. Lee's idea on rhythmic cycle and melodies contrast to other scholar's contention. On the other hand, Dr. Lee put personal opinions and showed new views on forms of Korean traditional music. Thus, the book contains Dr. Lee's assertion on his own idea, over-view on multiple ideas and contrary perspectives, and reserved conclusions. Han'guk ŭmak iron (Theory of Korean Music) is rooted from Dr. Lee's passion on music and research accumulation. Even though some of his ideas in systematizing and conceptualizing Korean music theory are based on Western music theory, however, Dr. Lee ultimately put his goal in theorizing unique features in Korean traditional music. His theory is definitely built upon the actual music. Dr. Lee's note saying "the new work born in the middle of a rainstorm" shows how much difficult it was to write Han'guk ŭmak iron (Theory of Korean Music). As soon as the book was published in 2005, Dr. Lee again worked on revising it for new edition. I believe that professor Lee would not only expect us to develop Korean music theory but also be ready to accept our comments.