Arirang
From Plank Road Publishing
arr. M.C. Handel/Paul Jennings
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. 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.
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.
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. (from Music K-8, Vol. 16, No. 5)
Downloadable PDFs and Performance/
Sound clips:
