The Role of Arirang on Solo Piano Works of Three Twentieth-Century Korean Composers: Unhoe Park, Junsang Bahk, and Bang Ja Hurh

Arirang, a Korean folk song, has been important in the lives of Koreans for centuries. The Arirang tune expresses both the joys and sorrows of the Korean people. Numerous composers used the Arirang tune in their works, both in classical music and in other genres. This study explores the role of Arirang in selected solo piano works by three contemporary Korean composers: Unhoe Park (1930-2010), Junsang Bahk (b. 1937), and Bang Ja Hurh (b. 1943).;This study will serve those who wish to further expand their knowledge of the solo piano repertoire outside the scope of the standard piano literature, especially those with a special interest in music of Korean composers. Compositional and performance aspects of each work will serve as a guideline for performers and teachers.;Chapter One describes the cultural and musical significance of Arirang. Chapter Two provides a biographical sketch and synopsis of Park's piano works as well as a musical analysis of Unhoe Park's Arirang Variations (1975). Chapter Three highlights a biographical sketch and theoretical analysis of Junsang Bahk's 20 Arirang Variations for Piano Solo (1985/2011). Chapter Four features a biographical sketch and musical analysis of Bang Ja Hurh's Pieces of "Arirang" for Piano (1999). Chapter Five provides a summary and analytical comparison of the three works in the study. Appendices include chronological listings of solo piano works of Park, Bahk, and Hurh as well as the comprehensive oeuvre of each composer.