2020
Sep 11 · Release
Sep 11 · Release
A long time ago
A Long Time Ago expresses the feeling of traditional Korean melody through quiet, beautiful piano playing.
The story behind the piece
2021
Jan 21 · Arrangement and score prepared
Jan 21 · Arrangement and score prepared
Kalimba · Melody-only arrangement
After learning to play the kalimba, I arranged this piece for a single melody line and prepared a score.
2021
Apr 20 · Arrangement and score prepared
Apr 20 · Arrangement and score prepared
Kalimba · Arrangement with chords
I made a chordal arrangement of this piece for kalimba and prepared a score.
A closer look at the score
The 6/8 meter groups six small movements into two larger breaths. In the opening FM7–G–Am progression, the melody is held while the left hand rises beneath it. Dotted notes and long ties keep its endings open. The contrast between broad phrasing and brief, almost ornamental movement offers a way to explore the Korean melodic feeling described by the composer.
From bar 17, the right hand briefly alternates chords and single notes while the left hand supports a sustained bass, increasing the density. Alternating bass notes and chords then add momentum. The opening melody and broken accompaniment return near the close, ending with a fermata, rit. and p. The dotted-note melody and broad 6/8 phrasing create the calm atmosphere.