Protector of the East Sea

Protector of the East Sea is dedicated to the extraordinary naval history of Korea. The title refers less to a single figure than to a role occupied by many individuals over the centuries. A

point of entry for Japanese, European, and Russian fleets beginning in the Joseon Dynasty, the East Sea was a site of conflicts during the 625 War (Korean War) and remains a contested body. Its waters lead to the triumphal battlespaces of General Yi Jongmu and Admiral Yi Sun-sin and are presently patrolled by personnel of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy. Protector of the East Sea takes the form of a fanfare that is shaped by traditional Korean music. The drum patterns are modeled on Salmu nori percussion works and the melodies were inspired by field recordings of ritual farming music and folk songs.