Symphonic Poem, "A Korean Journey"

Silicon Valley Volunteer Orchestra in San Jose, consisting mostly of high school musicians. 2009 concert titled "A Journey" (a benefit concert for Korean American Nursing Home of Northern California).

A symphonic poem built on two well-known Korean themes. The first is a battle song from the Korean War, titled "Sleep Well My Brothers" (전우야 잘 자라--"전우의 시체를 넘고 넘어") whose words go as follows:

Onward, onward we keep moving
Over the brothers' remains
Farewell to River Nakdong
Forward, forward, we must march.

Rancor knotted in blood,
We shall shatter our foe!
Sleep well my brothers,
That faded like fallen petals.

The baby-boomer generation folks (those in their late 40s and older) who grew up in Korea heard and sang this song many, many times. Although it is a battle song, its main point is to convey Koreans' indomitable will to survive and thrive.

Another interesting fact about this melody is that a close facsimile of it comes out in the finale movement of Shostakovich's Symphony 11, The Year 1905 (commemorating the Russian Revolution). I do not know if there is any direct link between some Russian revolutionary song and this Korean battle tune.

The second theme in the piece is Arirang, the best-known Korean folk song by a long shot. Of course, any Korean musical journey would be incomplete without Arirang, which laments the departure of an unrequited love with a wry humor.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Classical
• Symphonic
• Poem
• Korean
• Journey
• SVVO

[esc923]

the great job.