Dunam Jo

Dunam Jo (1912-1984) is one of the most well-known names in the history of Korean art songs. Ever since he was young he was interested in music. At age 9, he played the organ and studied music without a teacher. His first art song was composed in 1923 when he was 11 years old. Joseph Cannons, an American priest, influenced him on his musical path by teaching him composition and piano. In 1931, Jo performed his first opera, Blue Bird. Two years later, he composed Pioneer, which is one of his most famous songs; Koreans grow up learning this song. He published two art song books and left many outstanding songs as his legacy.