Koreana: A Suite of Korean Folk Songs by Randall Snyder

Koreana is a suite of traditional Korean folk songs harmonized in various Western styles. The gentle T’aryong was originally a movement from the monumental Yongsan Hoesang, an orchestral suite first notated in the 15th century. It was later adapted as the graceful Dance of the Crane. Han o baeng nyon is a folk song from the eastern province of Kangwondo (now divided between North and South Korea). Its existential lyrics speak of the transience of existence; even five hundred years is not enough time to fully experience life. The bluesy melody is harmonized in the style of Ravel. Arirang is the most well known of Korean melodies and exist in several distinct versions. This one, from Kyonggi Province around Seoul features a pentatonic melody in a setting influenced by Aaron Copland. Sarang Ga is love song from P’ansori, the uniquely Korean opera-like form performed by just a vocalist and single drummer. Its essentially monophonic texture is embellished with Neo-Classic dissonances and rhythms suggestive of Stravinsky.