Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble

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Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble
Chosŏn'gŭl 보천보전자악단
Hancha 普天堡電子樂團
McCune-Reischauer Poch'ŏnbo-jŏnja-aktan
Revised Romanization Bocheonbo-jeonja-akdan

The Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble is an orchestra from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK - North Korea). It is famous for its performances of revolutionary and folk songs. They have been reported to be one of the country's most popular groups,[1][2][3] although other critics have questioned what it means for a group to be popular in a country where the only music legally available comes from the few state-sanctioned musicians.[4]

The group takes its name from the Battle of Poch'ŏnbo on July 4, 1937, when a guerrilla unit under the leadership of Kim Il-sung attacked compounds of the Japanese occupation force in Poch'ŏnbo.[2]

The Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble can be heard on DPRK radio stations. As with other North Korean groups, their recordings are issued by a government body. They have released over 150 CDs as of 2007.[3]

In 1991, the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble toured Japan.


Contents

[edit] Song samples

Both via Salon.com:

[edit] References

  1. ^ Martial music and sea shanties for Andy Kershaw in North Korea, Andy Kershaw, Songlines: the world music magazine #22, Jan/Feb 2004, p. 112.
  2. ^ a b Axis of Evil meets Harry Potter, Britney, Audra Ang, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 7, 2005, on line, accessed 14-III-2007.
  3. ^ a b Popular Music in North Korea, Keith Howard, IIAS Newsletter #26, November 2001, on line, accessed 14-III-2007.
  4. ^ Powell, Mike (May 18, 2007). Three Questions for Mike Powell. Salon. Retrieved on 2007-05-19.

[edit] External links

[edit] See also

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