Impromptu on the theme of Doraji:

Doraji (Korean: 도라지) is a folk song popular among the ancient Korean people. The song originated from North Korea. Doraji means a wild flower found in Korea, which is usually called the Chinese bellflower in English. Arirang and Doraji are the two folk songs that represent both North and South Korea. They are both performed in the triple meter.

Impromptu on the Korean folk tune, Doraji for flute and piano was composed in December, 2015 for the Toronto Messiaen Ensemble’s “The Aroma of France and Korea” project in 2016. The piece basically in the triple meter and tonality, is progressed with metric and harmonic changes as well as frequent modulations, whereas some parts including the “Quasi Cadenza” section are atonal. With all of this progression, one may smell the scent of Doraji in this piece.

In December, 2016, Gideon Gee-Bum Kim also made a choral version of the work, for the Yemel Philharmonic Society's "Wisdom in Folk and Popular Music" concert, with the same instrumental part.

Lyrics:

(Translation in English)
Doraji, doraji, white doraji
white doraji in nature in mind and body

With just digging one or two roots
a big basket will be more than filled

Eheyo! Eheyo! what an excitement!
Let's be rejoice, let's be happy
What a wonderful my love!

What a wonderful my love!