Three Korean Folk Songs

Listen

Kathleen Blackwell-Plank performs “Doraji’ (Bellflower), and “Han River.” The music is coupled with her nature photography.

Contents

Doraji
Han River
Arirang

Note from the arranger

General characteristics of Korean folk songs include the use of the pentatonic scale, a three-beat meter and a wide range of vocal ornaments. Though not a large country, in the past Korea’s mountainous terrain made it difficult to travel from one region to another. Therefore, dialect, customs, and music developed unique qualities in various regions. There are two main modes in Korean folk music: Pyeong-jo (C-D-F-G-A) which is described as deep and peaceful and Kyemeon-jo (C-Eb-F-G-A) the minor mode, which calls forth feelings of bitterness and sadness.

To create the Pyeong-jo mode or the pentatonic used in “Doraji” (Bellflower), the harp is tuned in E-flat major (3-flats) and all of the D and G levers are set to sharp allowing for the use of beautiful glissandi. Special harp techniques such as harmonics and pres de la table (playing near the sound board) are used to imitate the sounds of Asian instruments, nature sounds and bells. Lyrics are given in transliterated Korean and chord symbols are provided. “Han River” is a minyo (folk song) which describes a pastoral scene on this major river which flows from the mountains to the sea. The harp is tuned in E-flat major (3-flats) and all the D and G levers are set to sharp. Special harp techniques utilized include glissandi, pres de la table (playing near the soundboard), plucking with the fingernails, grace notes and occasional left-hand harmonics. Arirang, one of the best-known Korean folk songs, is in F major (1-flat). It utilizes rolled chords, pres de la table, and lyrics in transliterated Korean are provided (no chords symbols).