SANJO
Hwang, Byungki

Sanjo, literally meaning "scattered melodies, or modes," developed in Korea in the middle of the 19th century as a solo instrumental form out of the dramatic oral narrative songs called p'ansori. It is modal music based on various rhythmic cycles similar to Indian raga. Dr. Hwang's composition is based on the sanjo of Jong Nam-hi (1905-1984) to which, in addition to many alterations, he has added much new material to make it the longest extant sanjo in the repertoire today. Today we will hear a shorter version of his sanjo.