Byungki Hwang is one of the foremost performers on the kayagum, a multi-stringed zither from Korea (similar to the koto or guzheng). While rooted heavily in tradition, however, he has been one of the primary forces of innovation in Korean art-music. According to the liner notes of The Labyrinth - Kayagum Masterpieces Vol. 3, he can be attributed to bridging the gap between folk and court music traditions in korea, as well as pushing the role of composer to the fore, without pursuing more Westernized directions. Hwang has long been engaged in the music of Korea but also contributed to the academic discourse of Western art music (including essays on John Cage).
My limited description above only offers a glimpse into the unique soundworld of Hwang's music. Admittedly my own explorations have been just a taste too... but enough to fall in love with his unique voice within an already incredible rich vocabulary (I love Korean classical music!). While some of his works (as heard on, for instance, 2007's Darha Nopigom - (Vol. 5 of the masterpieces series)) exhibit a exquisite, restrained approach to a more tradition sonic palette, the music on The Labyrinth (particular the titular piece) offers a contrasting image with wild colours abound including bowing the instrument and eerie vocal interjections.
Here on this mysterious number-domain (which appears to be a massive repository of Korean music), you can hear volumes 1-4 of the series. And here you'll find Darha Nopigom (which has apparently been reissued by the ARC Music, hence making it not quite eligible for the blog... oh well. Enjoy!
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