Arirang
Arirang- watch the performance on YouTube (opens new window)
Arirang is a Korean folk song that tells the story of a man and woman separated due to circumstances beyond their control. Besides being a musical metaphor for the two Koreas, it is known as one of the most beautiful songs in the world. On February 28, 2008 the New York Philharmonic performed before a select audience in Pyongyang, North Korea and played Arirang as a second encore. (A former US diplomat suggested they play it.) Needless to say, the audience was touched and apparently by their expressions, were caught totally off guard. Hope all you music lovers out there enjoy it as much as I did. It’s sad, beautiful and haunting all at once and the tune really stays with you.
There are a few versions (most of them with voices) on iTunes. I recommend the Red Dragonfly version.
