Dulcimer Arrangement of Arirang

Hello Everyone,

You're probably thinking, "Another arrangement this week??". I've decided to host some of my misc. arrangements on my site; such as folk songs, Stephen Foster tunes, Asian folk songs, Ancient songs, etc. Periodically I'll add more to my site, but nothing big planned. Hope you all enjoy these future arrangements. "Arirang" is one of Korea's most favorite folk tunes. Today, there are many different translations, lyrics and versions of this ancient love song. 'Ari' means "beautiful" and 'Rang' can mean "dear".

Why arrange this ancient Korean song for the dulcimer? My girlfriend Jinyoung Lee is a classical pianist and I learned this tune through her. She plays the tune at home all the time, but when I asked her if she has played it in concert she said,”of course not." The song is beautiful when played on the piano, but because it isn’t a traditional instrument, it takes away the song’s original character. Korea's traditional instruments are much like China's: Chinese Dulcimer and other string instruments like a Pipa and Erhu. In short: stringed instruments. When Jinyoung heard me playing "Arirang" on the dulcimer, she told me that the mountain dulcimer is a very appropriate instrument for this type of song. Gentle, soft and in a way (even for Koreans) a folk instrument. I hope you all enjoy this folk song.

-Ben

English Translation of the refrain:

Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo...

Crossing over Arirang Pass.

Dear who abandoned me here

Will not walk even ten before his/her feet hurt.