Composer and violinist known for art songs and for transcribing folk songs
| Life | 1901 ~ 1953 |
| Era | 일제강점기~현대 |
| Clan | 평강 채씨 |
Chae Dong-seon (June 11, 1901 - February 2, 1953) was a Korean composer and violinist of the Pyeonggang seat. Born in Beolgyo, Boseong, South Jeolla, he graduated in English literature from Waseda University and studied violin and composition at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin.
Returning in 1929 he gave four violin recitals, a composition recital in 1932 and published a song collection in 1937. He formed a string quartet to develop chamber music, and in 1938 presented his Fantasy in D minor, played by himself, at the first all-Joseon concert of new works sponsored by the Dong-A Ilbo. Just after liberation he founded the Goryeo Music Association as its president and served on the central committee of the Korean Musicians Association.
While devoting himself to pure art song he also worked on transcribing folk songs and studying traditional music. His works include the songs Gohyang (Hometown), Hyangsu, Mangyang, Moran-i pigikkaji and Bada, the chorus Tto dareun haneul, the symphonies Jo-guk and Hangang, string quartets and a violin sonata. Mangyang, in the 1980 Collected Works of Chae Dong-seon, is the most loved; he was posthumously awarded the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit (2nd class) in 1979.
After Waseda he studied violin with Richard Harchet and composition with Wilhelm Klatte at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, returning home in 1929.
While concentrating on art song he transcribed folk songs and studied Korean traditional music, aiming at a foundation for a national musical culture.
Just after liberation he led the Goryeo Music Association and sat on the central committee of the Korean Musicians Association, and was a professor at Sookmyung Women's University. He received the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit posthumously in 1979.
The tomb was not confirmed here.
He had a younger brother, Chae Dong-gyu, and a younger sister, Chae Seon-yeop (wife of Choe Gyu-nam).