ABOUT – WANSOO CHAI

As a classical composer prior to his ministry, Dr. Chai was highly regarded as outstandingly gifted in his craft. In 1989, he was the only one selected as South Korea’s key representative composer from the 1941-1956 period in the book “A History of Korea Lyric Song,” which commemorates accomplished composers born between 1897 to 1956. This was marked as a historical fact in the book quoted by the Science Publishers, Seoul.

“Chai, Wansoo (1956~)

Being young inherently carries the driving force that constantly encourages the vibrant oscillations of life. However, this doesn’t mean recklessly demolishing existing forms and shouting for joy. Instead, among the young composers who explore the dynamic rhythms of today while reflecting on tradition, we find Chai, Wansoo. Before releasing his album of art songs, his new song, “By Our Death” with lyrics by Park, Jingwan, was performed with great enthusiasm by baritone Kim, Buyeol at the 40th “Night of Art Songs” by the Korean Art Song Research Society on May 24th at the Yu Gwan-soon Memorial Hall. This piece was the most impressive work of the night and garnered significant attention.

In this song, Chai deviates from the typical characteristics of existing Korean art songs, which often derive from Western idioms influenced by hymns or indulge in easy sentimentality, or are muddled with ambiguous patterns resembling song-and-dance tunes or rigid folk rhythms. Instead, he delicately crafts a melody that resonates with the genuine breath of the Korean musical spirit we have longed for, making its impression all the more refreshing. He seeks musical liberation not by begging from Western music but by aspiring for a new freedom from his Eastern stance. In retrospect, it is indeed through a century-long journey since Western music spread in this land that familiar melodies and gentle rhythms have emerged, now standing before us confidently.

Let us now delve into his compositions.”

https://wansoochai.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/파랑새.pdf

파랑새(원명: 우리가 죽음으로서)

작곡(1984년) 및 발표이후 작시자(진관사 스님)로 부터 1980년 5월 18일 한국 광주사태 희생자들을 위한 진혼시었다는 배경을 들었다. 이러한 연유로 80년대 KBS에서 방송 금지곡 우려로 제목을 “파랑새” 로 바꾸었다.

The rest is omitted. click 이후 페이지 생략

In particular, his composition, Farmers’ Dancing, was selected by MBC FM radio broadcast in Daejeon for the 1988 Seoul Olympics to one of represent Korean art songs.

He was a commentator of art songs at the Korean Military 2 FM radio station from 1989 to 1990. Dr. Chai’s compositions have been steadily published and performed through solo and group recitals and broadcasted since 1981.

After immigrating to Canada in 1998 as a distinguished composer, Dr. Chai has been producing a number of recordings for a variety of musical genres influenced by his vast experience in conducting choirs and orchestras as well as leading worship services as a minister of music.