A Study on the Musical Changes of Takjeong, Seonwi, Sinjeong, Jeongse in Jongmyo Jeryeak

This study reveals that the traditional musical compositions Takjeong, Seonwi, Sinjeong, and Jeongse, performed at Jongmyo Shrine, underwent significant rhythmic changes in the early 20th century. The research reconstructs their original forms using historical rhythm notations (jeongganbo) from different eras, interpreting them to uncover their evolutionary process. Unlike previous methods that treated jeongganbo as a single unit per beat, this study identifies the fundamental pulse by analyzing the relationship between rhythm and musical notes, particularly focusing on the janggo (drum) beats. The findings show that Takjeong's original rhythm was 2/4 time, which expanded to 8/4 in Seonwi, while Sinjeong and Jeongse retained a 4/4 structure. The study also highlights how later versions of these compositions, recorded in the Iwangjeogahakbo, deviated significantly from their lyrical context, contrasting with earlier versions that remained consistent.

Moon, S. (2010). A Study on the Musical Changes of Takjeong, Seonwi, Sinjeong, Jeongse in Jongmyo Jeryeak. Studies in Korean Music, 48, 109–137. https://doi.org/10.35983/sikm.2010.48.109