밀양 아리랑 서곡 (Milryang Arirang Overture) 

The 'Milryang Arirang', one of Korea’s three major variations of 'Arirang' that represents the eastern region of Gyeongsang, was expanded into a grandiose piece for the orchestra. By transforming the original triplet 'Semachi' rhythm into 4/4 the cheerful marching sound along with the upbeat of the woodwinds is amplified, maximizing the gaiety of the Korean traditional folk music.

The arrangement of the nationally and internationally widely known 'Milryang Arirang' to a westernized overture well expresses the

spirit of the Korean ‘white-clad folk’ people.

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한 오백년 (Hanobaengnyeon) (Vocal, 김나니 (Nani Kim))

The titling song of this album “Hanobaengnyeon” (meaning longevity, some 500 years) is a popular folksong with the menari-tori tune and characteristic lamentation and plea of the mountainous area of Gangwon Province. Although it sings about the sorrowful life, the buoyant rhythm keeps the mood light and optimistic, and the harmony created by the dramatic representation of the 'Sorigoon' and the rich orchestration successfully reaches the musical climax of the mournful spirit.

 

상주 아리랑 (Sangju Arirang)  (대금 (Daegeum), 이용구(Yonggu Lee))

As another version of the Arirang, the 'Sangju Arirang', which embraces both the joy and sorrow of the Korean people, and especially the longing of one’s homeland, is performed by 'Yonggu Lee', the harmonious contrast between the silvery melody of the Daegeum and the western orchestra creates a warmer and the deeply rooted sound of the Daegeum’s performance comforts our ancestors’ melanch-olic yearning to reclaim the homeland .
 
아라리요 (Arariyo)  (Soprano, 황수미 (Sumi Hwang))

The most common and well-known ‘Bonjo Arirang’ is arranged for orchestra and soprano, a calm, lyrical piece with the middle reworked dramatically. The elegant melody of the soprano complements the sophisticated, emotional mood of the Arirang’s delicate grieve.
 
아리랑 포티에크 (Arirang Poetique)  (Piano, 안종도 (Jongdo An))

At the beautiful piano track named 'Arirang poetique', just as the word ‘poetique’ conveys a beautiful, eloquent image, the piano andorchestra’s lyrical and dramatic tone expresses more than the sadness and longing the Arirang holds : the hopeful step towards the

future. Such tender feeling builds up from the middle of the piece, developing into a joyous, hopeful Arirang.

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아리랑 환상곡 (Arirang Fantasy) 

The last track named 'Arirang Fantasy', alluding to the western musical form of ‘fantasy,’ the 'Arirang Fantasy' consists of the full-bodied orchestra’s magnificent sound, representing the Korean people’s dignified status, and the piano melody depicting the vibrant, optimistic

hope of Korea.