Random Observation

[akirlu]

If I understood what I was hearing correctly, then Traditional Korean Music, played by a Western orchestra, sounds remarkably like the incidental music from some Mid-Century Big Sky Western. I expect a hodown to break out among the parked Conestogas at any moment.

Comments

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Oooh. Examples? (I have to admit, I love that sound, especially with French horns.)

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

I was specifically thinking of the first bit of background music played behind this Morning Edition story. NB - it's a pretty short sample. If you get as far as the car-horn section of "American in Paris," you've gone too far.

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

You're right! Though there was just a hint of something interesting with tempo. Oh, that would be nifty to get more of that sound.

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

It's got to be possible. From what voidampersand says below, checking out Chinese movie music might be a good route to pursue.

[voidampersand.livejournal.com]

KFJC DJ Joe-Ed does a Country & Western show that also features Chinese movie music. Part of it represents his fannish interests, but there are some similar sounds and themes.

[kalimac.livejournal.com]

It depends on the orchestrator. I suppose it was the open string harmonies and the seemingly-randomly-placed drums that made the reminiscence for you. It didn't sound like that to me: the pentatonic scale and the absence of a snap rhythm in the drums strongly separate it to my ear. I think a survey of which musics remind various listeners of other musics would be quite interesting.