Our National Orchestra Proud of the Long Tradition

The national orchestra is composed of national musical instruments that accord with the emotional feelings of the nation concerned. It expresses strongly the characteristics of national music by means of its unique timbre, unique method of performance and rich resonance, and its music accords well with the emotion and aesthetic tastes of the members of the nation.

Our national orchestra has a long historical tradition. Orchestral music had come from ancient times when the nation was formed and the state was established, and had been developed from the early time on centering around the royal court where national etiquettes were held in large numbers.

The music of Ancient Joson "Maeak" (an art performance in which 16 dancers danced to the music of 40 singers), had been well-known even to the neighboring countries for its excellent qualities. By the time of Koryo, the court orchestra was divided into the indigenous Korean music which was composed only of national instruments and Tang music introduced by neighboring countries, and its form was developed in a diverse way.

In the period of the feudal Joson dynasty, national orchestra was further developed with the main emphasis on national instruments, strengthening the national character with tonality and tune of national music. Tang music, which had been introduced from the neighboring country in the early period, also became the indigenous Korean music by playing with instruments of national tonal quality.

Furthermore, in the 15th century, the standards of all instruments used in the court were correctly defined, and the standard tone of music was also defined by Pak Yon with excellent musical talent. So, the musical standard of the orchestra has been remarkably improved with the tuning of all instruments, and the performance of the national orchestra has been further improved by talented musicians.