Arirang

[javiskefka]

Arirang is known as the representative Korean folk song (민요). When the New York Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert in Pyongyang last week, they played a version of this song for their finale. You can listen to it here: http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=27oCLrSzDLQ.

One important aspect of Arirang is that there are many different versions of it, and each province in Korea has its version. The one played by the orchestra linked above sounds like this version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FlXH9CGnvw&fmt=18. I'm not sure where exactly that comes from, but it seems to be the most popular nowadays.

There's also the Jeongseon Arirang, which is supposed to be the oldest version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBR980uFSJE&fmt=18

And there's the Jindo Arirang: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F2mIpoUJ7M&fmt=18. I think this one varies a lot. That clip is from a movie called 서편제.

Here's one called the Gangnam Arirang. And it's performed by a male soloist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1MDBeCCpX4&fmt=18. He goes into the standard version at the end, though.

What do these songs make you feel?

[Bouks]

It is a very elegant song - I like the older versions, just listening to the way they sound. The Philharmonic did a nice job, but I like to hear the traditional instruments.

What are the words? I would love to see a translation, and perhaps learn it someday when my Korean is up to par. (Being at Newbie Lesson 12 and Beginner Lesson 8, I think I'll need a bit more time. )

[javiskefka]

The words for the first one: (According to Wikipedia, it's the Gyeonggi Arirang)

Verse 1
아리랑 아리랑 아라리요
아리랑 고개로 넘어간다
나를 버리고 가시는 님은
십리도 못가서 발병 난다

Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo...
Arirang gogaero neomeoganda.
Nareul beorigo gasineun nimeun
Simnido motgaseo balbyeongnanda

Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo...
I am crossing over Arirang Pass.
The man/woman who abandoned me
Will not walk even ten li before his/her feet hurt.


Verse 2
청천 하늘엔 별도 많고
우리네 가슴엔 꿈도 많다

Cheongcheonhaneuren byeoldo manko
Urine gaseumen kkumdo manta

Just as there are many stars in the clear sky,
There are also many dreams in our heart.



Verse 3
저기 저 산이 백두산이라지
동지 섣달에도 꽃만 핀다

Jeogi jeo sani Baekdusaniraji
Dongji seotdaredo kkonman pinda

There, over there that mountain is Baekdu Mountain,
Where, even in the middle of winter days, flowers bloom.

[the_haunted_boy]

Thank you for the lyrics with the translation, I have been looking for them.

[javiskefka]

Glad that I could share this. I made a few typos BTW:
Verse 1 Line 2 : 고래 => 고개
Verse 2 Line 1 : 한을 => 하늘