co-organiser: Centre of Korean Culture in Warsaw
Sanjo is one of the most representative genres of Korean traditional music, usually performed by a single melodic instrument that may be accompanied by percussion. Due to its improvisational nature, its free form varies according to the skill and musicianship of the artist, the capacities of the particular instrument and the time and place of the performance. However, it always begins with a slow melody in jinyangjo rhythm, which gradually becomes faster and faster, often arousing enthusiasm among the audience. In this respect, it resembles a Hindustani raga, the narrative of which, developed according to melodic-rhythmic models, brings a gradual build-up of musical expression.
Sanjo was first developed around 1890 by Chang-jo Kim (1865–1920), a master of the 12-stringed zither (gayageum), and was later performed on other traditional Korean string instruments (including the geomungo, a six-stringed Korean koto), and also on flutes (daegeum). Its early style, derived from traditional music genres such as sinawi and pansori, was inspired by shamanic music and used ancient melodies passed down from generation to generation.
Today, it is an important part of Korea’s musical heritage, demonstrating the power of classical art in contemporary interpretations.
