Smithsonian Folkways FW-04424-CCD Folk & Classical Music of Korea, Smithsonian Folkways, Mfr#: FW-04424-CCD

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution the national museum of the United States. They are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation preservation and dissemination of sound. Folkways Records believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials Folkways Records seek to strengthen people s engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document "people s music " spoken word instruction and sounds from around the world. The Smithsonian acquired Folkways from the Asch estate in 1987 and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has continued the Folkways commitment to cultural diversity education increased understanding and lively engagement with the world of sound. These offerings provide a view of Korean music ranging from the folk music of farmerss songs and ballads to classical court music featuring the genre of formal ah ahk. Influences from Korea s relationship with China over the centuries are reflected in Korea s music and can be heard here not only in the texts but also in the style and instrumentation. (Park 1961)