Daegeum

The daegeum is a traditional Korean flute, literally meaning “large flute,” made from bamboo and used in both classical court music (jeong-ak) and folk music (minsok-ak). Indigenous to the Korean peninsula, the daegeum originated during the Silla dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD) and is part of the samjuk, or three bamboo flute family, which also includes the junggeum (medium-sized flute) and sogeum (small flute). Known for its rich and vibrant sound, the daegeum is distinguished by a unique resonant membrane that adds a buzzing quality to its tone. The daegeum’s versatility makes it suitable for various musical styles, from traditional to contemporary experimental music.

Origin of the Daegeum

According to Korean legend, the daegeum was gifted by a dragon during the Silla Dynasty. The story goes that a bamboo reed growing on a turtle-shaped island in the East Sea divided into two by day and merged into one by night. Upon witnessing this, the king met a dragon who told him that the reed produced a clapping sound when it merged, which would bring prosperity. The king made the reed into a flute called the “Jeosdae,” later known as the daegeum. This flute was believed to hold magical powers, capable of calming the weather and bringing peace to the land. The daegeum has since become a symbol of Korean heritage and culture, known for its power to bring harmony and good fortune.

Anatomy of the Daegeum

The daegeum is a large transverse bamboo flute available in two primary variations: the jeongak daegeum for classical court music and the sanjo daegeum for folk music. Here is a breakdown of the daegeum’s structure:

• Material: The daegeum is made of whangjuk (yellow bamboo), which is durable and capable of producing rich tones. A special type of bamboo called Ssanggoldae, found only one in every 100,000 bamboo trees, is considered ideal for making high-quality daegeum.
• Length: The jeongak daegeum is the longer of the two, measuring about 85-90 cm, while the sanjo daegeum is shorter at around 75 cm.
• Mouthpiece (Chwigu): The opening where the player blows air to produce sound, located at the head of the flute.
• Resonant Membrane (Chonggong): One of the defining features of the daegeum, this hole is covered by a thin membrane made from the inner lining of reed. The vibration of the membrane adds a distinctive, buzzing quality to the daegeum’s tone. The membrane is protected by a brass cover to prevent damage.
• Finger Holes (Jigong): There are six finger holes located along the body of the flute. These holes allow the player to manipulate pitch and tone by covering and uncovering them in different sequences.
• Tuning Holes (Chilsunggong): Additional holes at the end of the flute that help with pitch adjustment. These holes are not used during performance.

Manufacturing and Sound Quality of the Daegeum

The daegeum is made from thick bamboo, which provides durability and a clear tone. Bamboo with a thick wall is chosen because it allows the creation of consistent, uniform holes that produce balanced sound quality. The instrument’s sound is characterized by a rich and resonant quality, influenced by the vibration of the membrane covering the chonggong.

The sound of the daegeum is divided into three primary ranges:

• Jeochui (Low Range): Produces a soft, warm sound that is deep and resonant.
• Pyungchui (Middle Range): The sound becomes crisp and clear, ideal for melodic lines in traditional music.
• Yeokchui (High Range): Produces a bright, intense sound, almost explosive in quality, which can be used for dramatic musical effects.

The playable notes of the daegeum range from low B♭3 to high F6, covering nearly three octaves. Its unique membrane (cheong) adds an extra layer of tonal texture, contributing to the instrument’s broad sonic palette.

Variations of the Daegeum

The daegeum is part of a family of Korean flutes known as the samjuk (three bamboo) family, which includes:

• Junggeum: A medium-sized bamboo flute, also used in traditional Korean court music, but smaller than the daegeum and producing a more subdued sound.
• Sogeum: The smallest of the three flutes, the sogeum has a bright, high-pitched tone, suitable for dynamic and lively folk music performances.

Playing Techniques and Usage

The daegeum is played by positioning the mouthpiece on the left shoulder and blowing across it like a transverse flute. The first three finger holes are manipulated by the left hand and the other three by the right hand, allowing players to produce approximately 19 different notes across three octaves. Varying the volume of air, the speed of breath, and subtle adjustments of the embouchure allows the player to create different tonal qualities.

The jeongak daegeum is typically used in classical court music, providing a solemn, elegant sound fitting for formal settings, while the sanjo daegeum is used for folk music, which demands faster, more agile playing. The vibration from the cheonggong adds a distinctive timbre that is highly expressive, providing emotional depth to both classical and folk performances.

Manufacturing Process

The process of making the daegeum is intricate, beginning with the selection of high-quality bamboo. Once harvested, the bamboo is cured and dried to ensure it is sufficiently hard and resonant. The embouchure (chwigu), resonant membrane hole (chonggong), and six finger holes (jigong) are carefully crafted. The placement and size of these holes are crucial for achieving accurate pitch and tonal quality.

The cheong, the reed membrane covering the chonggong, is made from the inner lining of bamboo reeds. This membrane is rare and valuable, as it is harvested from one out of 100,000 bamboo trees and must undergo an alternation process involving hot steam and cold drying to achieve the desired texture and resilience.