新羅의 音聲署

Ŭmsŏngsŏ of Shilla

Music has had a significant role in Korean tradition, even to cause a fall of a nation. Ŭmsŏngsŏ was the institute organizing musical activities in the Shilla period. In this paper, the author describes the role of ŭmsŏngsŏ in order to understand its influence on governmental policies. By examining the nature, members, and responsibility of the ŭmsŏngsŏ, its function in the society will be more clearly understood. It was first established in the fifth year of Queen Chindok(65l), yet did not undertake an active role until the second year of King Shinmun(682). It consisted of 8 officers with different responsibilities and 20 musicians. While the officers held important governmental ranks, the performers had ·no ranks. Ŭmsŏngsŏ provided music and dance for the nation s important ceremonies and entertainment occasions. Processional music for the king s outdoor activities was also performed by its musicians. Furthermore, the institute searched for good musicians from all over the nation and educated them for future generations. As mentioned above, ŭmsŏngsŏ had a significant role in establishing the right relationship between the king and people, and in cultivating the nation s spirits.