Arirang

This poignant Korean folk song has been around for at least six hundred years, and some sources say it could be more than a thousand years old. It exists in varied forms, some of them very different from the most common version we present here. While most are pentatonic and have a 3/4 time feel, some are less lyrical and one province even has a version with a 5/4 or 5/8 pulse.

The song has even become a pop hit and a movie theme in Korea, and may well be the best known song in that country. It has also traveled around the world in translation and as the basis of both choral and instrumental works. One of the most enduring such works is Variations On A Korean Folk Song by John Barnes Chance.

Our arrangement uses the recorder notes D, E, G, A, B, and high D. The recording features a rich orchestral palette including brass, strings, and solo violin, viola, and cello. It is especially nice for recorder in that it gives the opportunity to play with sensitivity and a bit more dexterity. (Note: Consider cueing players at measure 35 if they have difficulty with this entrance.)

We have recorded this arrangement at two different tempos. The faster version sounds best, but it may be a little fast for some students, so we give you the tracks in both tempos. You may wish to start with the slow version, then as the players gain confidence, add the challenge of the faster tempo.

Only the faster recording with recorder playing is on the CD, though both accompaniments are there. You can download the MP3 for the slower full performance and the PDF of the piano/recorder score from our web site. (See below.)

Online extras - The free, downloadable items mentioned for this song can be found under the "Graphics and Extras" for Volume 16, No. 5 at MusicK8.com