CHILCHAE for Marimba and Janggu Drum - Michael Maiorana
"Chilchae" for marimba and Korean janggu drum
Composition by Michael Maiorana
Performers:
Eri Isomura, marimba
Richardson Handjaja, janggu
Premiere performance June 25, 2023
Studio Z in St. Paul, MN, USA
Videography and Audio Production by Eric Xu Romani
Chilchae is a rhythmic pattern used in Utdari Pungmul, the style of traditional Korean drumming that is transmitted in what are now Gyeonggi and North Chungcheong provinces of South Korea. This and other rhythms are traditionally played in a drum and gong ensemble using four primary instruments: kkwaenggari (small gong), jing (large gong), janggu (hourglass drum) and buk (barrel drum).
This work by Michael Maiorana modifies the chilchae rhythm, incorporates other Korean drumming patterns and integrates a pitched instrument, in this case a concert marimba. The drum featured in this work, the janggu, is a double-headed drum with a wooden body and two leather heads. The thickness of leather used—either skins of cow, dog, horse, and sheep—is different. Differences in thickness and texture among these skin-materials produce different sounds.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
https://www.eriisomura.com
