Overview
Ahn Eak-tai (안익태, 安益泰; December 5, 1906 – September 16, 1965) was a Korean-born Spanish composer and conductor. He is best known for composing "Aegukga," the national anthem of South Korea, and the orchestral work "Korea Fantasia." He spent his later years in Spain, where he acquired citizenship.
Early Life and Education
Childhood (1906-1930)
Ahn was born on December 5, 1906, in Pyongyang, Korean Empire. He attended Pyongyang Elementary School and Sungsil Middle School before enrolling at Seisoku Middle School in Tokyo, Japan, as a music scholarship student in 1921. He entered Tokyo Music School (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1926 as a cello major, graduating in 1930.
American Studies (1930-1936)
After graduation, Ahn moved to the United States, studying cello and composition at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and Temple University. In 1932, he served as principal cellist of the University of Cincinnati student orchestra.
In 1935, troubled by Aegukga being sung to a Scottish folk tune, he composed a new melody after three years of work. It premiered on December 28, 1935, at a Korean church in Chicago, which he personally conducted.
Career in Europe (1936-1965)
Rise as a Conductor
Moving to Europe in 1936, Ahn established himself as a conductor in Vienna, Hungary, Austria, and Germany. In 1938, he guest-conducted the Dublin Radio Symphony Orchestra in Ireland, where "Korea Fantasia," an expansion of Aegukga, received its premiere to critical acclaim.
Spain Period
In 1946, Ahn settled in Spain. He was appointed principal conductor of the Mallorca Symphony Orchestra in 1947. His final performance was with the New Philharmonia Orchestra in London on July 4, 1965. He died on September 16, 1965, in Barcelona at age 59.
Major Works
- Aegukga (1935) - The national anthem of South Korea
- Korea Fantasia (1938) - Symphony Fantasie No.1 Korea, a four-movement orchestral work
- Kangcheonseongak (1936) - Symphonic poem
- Nongae (1939) - Orchestral work
Controversy
Pro-Japanese and Pro-Nazi Allegations
Despite his reputation as the composer of Aegukga, Ahn has been criticized for alleged collaboration with Japan and Nazi Germany. He was included in the Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Collaborators published in 2009. Allegations include:
- Conducting Japanese court music Etenraku in 1941
- Performing the Japanese national anthem Kimigayo
- Composing a celebratory piece for the 10th anniversary of Manchukuo in 1942
- Membership in Nazi Germanys Reich Music Chamber
- Removing Aegukga melody from Korea Fantasia after 1940, performing it as "Kyokuto" (Far East)
Defense
His descendants argue that Ahn was "a world-class musician and patriot, not a political collaborator." The Ahn Eak-tai Memorial Foundation stated that "he had no choice but to operate as a Japanese national after losing his citizenship."
Legacy
In 2005, his descendants donated the copyright of Aegukga to the South Korean government. A street in Mallorca, Spain, bears his name.