Canggu: tool description, composition, history, use

Janggu is a Korean folk musical instrument. Type – double-sided drum, membranophone.

The appearance of the structure repeats the hourglass. The body is hollow. The material of manufacture is wood, less often porcelain, metal, dried pumpkin. On both sides of the case there are 2 heads made of animal skin. Heads produce sound of different pitches and timbres. The shape and sound of the membranophone symbolize the harmony between a man and a woman.

Canggu has a long history. The first images of the membranophone date back to the Silla era (57 BC – 935 AD). The oldest mention of the hourglass drum dates back to the reign of King Mujon in 1047-1084. In the Middle Ages, it was used in the performance of military music.

The drum is used in the traditional musical genres of Korea. It is actively used in courtyard, wind and shaman music. The musicians hang the instrument around their necks. Play with both hands. For sound production, special sticks are used – gongchu and elchu. Playing with bare hands is allowed.

Changu is classified as an accompanying instrument. The reason is ease of use. The ability to play with more than just your hands provides variety in sound.