Variations on an Asian theme
I heard a concert by the NY Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Lorin Maazel. The program was aired on a NPR broadcast. This concert had taken place in N. Korea. The Philharmonic is the first major American cultural group to perform in the country and the largest delegation from the United States to visit its longtime foe.
When the concert ended with a final encore of the traditional Korean folk song “Arirang” — beloved in both the North and South — the orchestra received a five-minute standing ovation, with many audience members cheering, whistling and waving to the beaming musicians. Other works included Dvorak’s “New World Symphony,” written while the Czech composer lived in the United States and inspired by native American themes; Wagner’s Prelude to Act 3 of “Lohengrin”; and Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.”
This folk song is a song the Korean mother would sing to her child. It was a beautiful and moving piece of music. The audiences in each country, both North and South Korea, where the music was also played, it was noticeable that there was not a dry eye in the house, due to the sheer beauty of the music. And it might be added, due to the significance and importance both countries share with their beloved folk song. And the music was indeed beautiful. I remember the beauty but unfortunately not the melody. Nor have I attempted to hear that particular melody again. I do not want to hear any Asian melodies just yet. I just want to focus on what lasting impressions, this lovely melody imparted.
Determined, I began to embark on and completed my musical journey. I began composing the music, May 16th of this year and, today, July the 3rd, not only is the work completed, I also registered it with the copyright office. So in a span of about 48 days I totally completed a major work. The piece is in three movements and is about 37 min. long.
Visit my YOUTUBE music.
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