Franz Eckert: musical bridging between Korea and Germany
Throughout modern Korean history, numerous foreigners have dedicated themselves to the development of Korea across various fields. One such individual is Franz Eckert, a German composer and musician whose contributions to Korean music have left a lasting legacy.
On Aug. 6, the 108th anniversary memorial service for Franz Eckert was held at Han Gyeong-jik Hall at Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery, Seoul. Attendees paid homage to Eckert's grave before enjoying a vibrant performance of the Korean Empire's national anthem by the Rainbow Wind Orchestra.
Eckert (1852-1916) was a renowned German composer who played a pivotal role in introducing Western music to Korea. Despite being unfamiliar with Korean society, Eckert dedicated himself to this mission after being invited by the Korean Empire. In 1901, he established the Korean Emperor Brass Orchestra, which performed the first Western-style concert at Pagoda Park, now Topgol Park, in Seoul. The orchestra, comprising both military and civilian musicians, played Western instruments and performed regularly at the Royal Court and in the park for local citizens and the foreign community.
In 1902, Eckert composed the national anthem of the Korean Empire, which was performed during public celebrations at the court. "God helps our Emperor, May he live long —" However, this anthem was banned following the Japanese colonization of Korea in 1910.
Before composing the Korean Empire's national anthem, Eckert arranged the Japanese national anthem, "Kimigayo," in 1880 while serving in the Imperial German Navy in Japan. Due to health reasons, he returned to Germany in 1899 and became director of the Royal Prussian Orchestra.
Inspired by Japan's advancements in Western music, the Korean Empire invited Eckert in 1901 to establish its first military band. Eckert organized the band, purchased instruments, recruited and trained members and held regular performances in Korea. In recognition of his contributions, Emperor Gojong awarded Eckert the Order of Taegeuk after he composed the Korean Empire's national anthem.
While in Korea, Eckert was asked by the minister of Japanese Legation about the musical talent of Japanese compared to Koreans. Without hesitation, he replied that Koreans were superior in this regard.
Following the disbandment of the Korean Imperial Army in 1907, Eckert established a music school in Korea. Among his disciples were Baek Woo-yong and Jeong Sa-in, who became pioneers of Western music in Korea.
Eckert died in 1916 due to deteriorating health and was laid to rest at Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery. His family maintained their involvement in Korea, with some descendants also buried in Korea, underscoring their lasting connection to the country. Eckert remains a significant figure in the history of Western music in Korea, symbolizing a cultural bridge between the two nations.
Although Eckert's contributions fell into relative obscurity for several decades, interest in his legacy was revived in 1949 by Namgung Yo-yeol, a Navy Commander and Chief of the Navy Band of Korea.
More recently, in 2000, Song Je-yong, a retired professor and the first Korean to study wind and orchestral instruments at Berlin University of the Arts, played a leading role in establishing the New Korea Philharmonic Orchestra to promote the music of the historic Korean Emperor Brass Orchestra. Additionally, Song founded the Memorial Society for Eckert.
To commemorate the 123rd anniversary of the Korean Emperor Brass Orchestra's founding, a special concert will be held at Topgol Park on the evening of Oct. 12. Conducted by Song, the artistic director of the New Korea Philharmonic Orchestra, this event will celebrate Eckert's contributions and the enduring bond between Korea and Germany.
Eckert's musical legacy played a crucial role in fostering friendly relations between Korea and Germany, illustrating how cultural exchange can bridge gaps and build lasting connections between nations.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist for The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.