干勒十二曲と大加耶連盟

Abstract

As a talented composer of music for the kayago 加耶琴 (a kind of zither) also called kayagum, the name of Uluk is widely known. In general, the historical records associated with Uluk have been interpreted from a folk-tale point of view. By re-examining these historical records we can come to understand the background and significance of the kayago and the music written for it. In the period from the third to the sixth century, Kaya 加耶 existed as a group of small, independent states in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. However, in the 470's, centering on the state of Taegaya 大加耶, (present day Koryong), a league was formed by these states. I have named this the Taegaya League. The twelve pieces of music composed by Uluk have a strong relationship with the Taegaya League. King Kasil 嘉悉王 of Taegaya was the person behind the formation of this league. He established diplomatic relations with the Southern Qi dynasty, and created the kayago, modelling it on the zheng 筝 of the Southern Qi. He then summoned Uluk, who was from one of the League's member states, and commanded him to compose some music. Folk songs etc. of all the member states were collected and based on these, the twelve pieces of music were written. Since the names of the states were used in the titles of the music, we are able to determine the names of the League's member states. At the same time, since this music was one of the means used to create a unified league, we have come to understand that it also had a very strong political significance.