Abstract

Among many versions and variations of Arirang, Bonjo Arirang [standard Arirang] is the most well-known version. In this article, three recordings that were performed by Gayageum (Korean plucked zither instrument) will be compared regarding rhythm and pitch. For this performance analysis, the freeware Sonic Visualiser and Vamp plugins are used. Through the examination, it is noted that the performance of Recording 1 is similar to music played in 3/4 time. In comparison, the performances of Recording II and Recording III are related to 9/8 time. Since most Korean traditional rhythmic patterns consist of triple/compound meters, the version of 3/4 time, in which a beat (a quarter note) is usually divided into two smaller rhythmic values (eighth notes), can be considered an influence of Western music. Regarding the pitch/interval analysis, the frequency of each pitch is measured in hertz, using Sonic Visualiser. Based on this information, several intervals are compared with those in equal temperament. It is noted that Recording 2 has several intervals that are extremely smaller than the intervals of equal temperament. This is related to how the performer shakes/pushes the fourth string ‘G3’. This technique is called Nonghyeon. For the Gayageum player, it would be more important to play the Nonghyeon properly than to play the correct pitch/intervals. This paper will present a detailed analysis of rhythm and pitch/interval by demonstrating a computer-assisted, performance-practice analytical approach to non-Western music (in this case, a Korean folk song).