Samulnori Percussion

Korean Percussion Ensemble

A Samulnori ensemble generally consists of four main instruments Puk, Janngu, Jing and K'Kwaenggwari - each represents an element of nature. In a minimal ensemble there will be just one of each, but sometimes larger groups have four or more of each instrument.

Samulnori has its roots in farmer’s music (nong-ak), and includes not only music but dancing to celebrate harvest times. The music also stems from the shamanistic tradition of utdari pungmul, which is performed on these same instruments together with singing and wind instruments. In its modern incarnation, samulnori relies solely on the four instruments featured here.

THE KONTAKT INSTRUMENT

• THE INSTRUMENT PANEL - The  instrument page allows you to select and edit the four drums seperately, or link together for a unified sound.

• EUCLIDEAN BEATS - Euclidean Beats is a revolutionary way of generating drum patterns; simpler than it first looks. Set any number of hits and any number of steps per track, and Euclid will space it all out equally for you. You will create grooves you never imagined within seconds - you can't put a step wrong.

• EFFECTS PANEL - A completely user configurable FX chain: choose from 16 different effects in 6 insert slots - in any order you like. The Space processor offers everything from straight rooms and halls to ambient convolution effects.

THE HUMANISE MODULE

Each Samulnori instrument features Humanise controls which can add random variations to the timing, velocity, tuning and volume of each hit. This makes it possible to introduce the natural differences and organic feel of a human drummer to each drum. This makes it very quick to create stunningly lifelike ensemble percussion pieces.