koreanauralstuff-blog

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

한대수 (Han Dae Su) - 물 좀 주소 (Give Me Some Water)

One thing I love about korean music and k-indie is that it’s given me a sort of microcosm of all the different types of music genres out there that I can explore, like a musical springboard. I did not listen to a single drop of soul prior to hearing this song; this song made me realise for the first time that 60s folk/soul could be raw and emotive and accessible.

Who knew that korean ahjusshi sensibilities x 60s guitar folk = awesomeness?

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

I’m really not a folk person (but I’ll always make room for it if it’s korean.... jk). But yeah, this song is great for understated farewells, not big hugs or tears but just... I’ll miss you a bit, but I’ll probably see you in a year or two as well, that kind of thing. A farewell on a sunny day :)

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

This band made me realise how much I’ve missed good alt rock. If I had a home base for music, it’s definitely alt/melodic/90s-00s rock (?probably a generational thing).

This song should be heard everywhere, blast it loud at an open-air concert and make the earth shake and the people wake to this sound ❤️

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

It’s a good song but it was this version that made me fall in love with it ❤️ Idek, somehow through his rappy-hand motions he pushes the boundaries of space and time a bit wider to make room for this song

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

ugh so sexy 

지옥으로 가버려 / 김사월X김해원

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

  학교갔다 야자하고 또 과제

i go to school and they give me more topics again 

주말엔 학원 갔다와서 또 과외

i go to hagwon in the weekend - extra homework again

사는게 지하철 열차같아

living is like the underground train

기점에서 종점으로 왔다갔다

from the starting point to the end 

자는 시간도 막차(막차)때쯤

i sleep around the time of the last train

깨는 시간도대충 첫차떄쯤

i wake around the time of the first train 

쉬엄쉬엄하��니 모르는 소리하지말어

i do tests, don't talk to me about things i don't know (?)

이렇게 해서 중간이라도 하면 고민하지않어

like this, though i'm average i don't worry 

그만두고 싶어 첫단추부터

i want to stop, from the first button

잘못꾄듯 싶어 입이 얼어붙어서

though i'm wrong my mouth is frozen  

부모님한텐 아무 말도 못했어

i can't say anything to my parents 

약해지신 어깨 무너질것 같애서

my weakened shoulders are getting heavier 

꿈을 향해 달리래 여기저기서

i chase my dreams here and there 

장래 희망 말고 내게 꿈이 어딨어?

let's not even talk about future hopes; where is my dream?

사실 있었지만 이제는 희미하게

thought it's still here 

멀어져 니가 부럽다 임마

now it's fading far away; i'm jealous of you dude! 

고개 돌려봐도 온통 어둠

though i raise my head it's all darkness 

자릴 옮겨봐도 검은 벽뿐

though i try to move, i only see black walls  

상자 속안에 머물긴 싫은데

i don't like staying in a box 

벌써 이 곳에 익숙해 지는데

i'm already used to this place 

나? 요즘 별 일 없어

me? i'm just so-so

여전히 별 볼일 없어

recently the stars don't shine 

학교 학원에서 멍 때리다가

at school and hagwon i just space out  

시간 흘러가는대로 따라가

the time passes 

종일 시계만 바라봐

always only looking at my watch 

어차피 똑같을 하루 skip 하고 싶어

anyway i want to skip days like this

그저그런 내 모습 피하고 싶어

i want to avoid this side of me 

하고싶은거? 얻고싶은거?

want to do? want to earn?

그러고 보니 싫은 것만 많았지

it turns out that there are only many unpleasant things.

실패한 적없이 겁만 많았지

i haven't failed, i only have lots of fear 

나도 너처럼 하고 싶은거하며

i want to be like you 

빛나고 싶어

want to shine 

10년넘게 중간치기 역할2도 쳐

취업하는 것도 하늘에 별 따기래

doing a job is impossible 

SKY 나오고도 종일 학원 다닌대

getting in SKY would mean going to school every day 

나같은 애들은 백수되기 딱이네

i'm just the kind of guy that is good for nothing 

넌 걱정 없지? 나도 랩해볼까 막이래

you don't have any worries? let me try rap too 

고개 돌려봐도 온통 어둠

though i raise my head it's all darkness 

자릴 옮겨봐도 검은 벽뿐

though i try to move, i only see black walls  

상자 속안에 머물긴 싫은데

i don't like staying in a box 

벌써 이 곳에 익숙해 지는데

i'm already used to this place 

그래 오랜만이네 연락한 것도

it's been a while since we've contacted 

연락못해 미안해 정신이 없어서

sorry i couldn't keep in touch, was too busy 

학교에 앨범에 한번에 해내는게

i went to school and did my album both at once 

생각보다 힘이드네

it was harder than i thought 

잠도 요즘엔 다섯시간쯤 밖에 못자

recently i can't get over 5 hours of sleep 

준비 못하고 망친 모의고사 성적도 신경 쓰이는데

the mock test i couldn't prepare for, i was worried about my results 

파도처럼 밀려오는

like waves falling 

내일에 어쩔수 없이 휩쓸리게 돼

i can't do anything about tomorrow, i'll be swept away 

야, 수능 준비는 왜 하냐고?

ya, why am i preparing for the SAT*?

난 대학 안가냐 바로 군대 가라고?

should i not go to university and go straight to the army? 

걱정 없긴 난 두배로 해

no worries, I'll work double 

한국의 랩퍼로 또 고딩으로 두개골 깨져

korean rappers get their skulls smashed when they are high school students 

매번 난 된다고 잘난 체하고

every time i do fine, i put on airs 

다녔더니 다 괜찮아 보이는가봐

everything seems fine 

눈앞이 밤보다 더 깜깜한

blacker than this night, 

오늘이 지나도록 잠이 안와

is me not being able to fall asleep 

고개 돌려봐도 온통 어둠

though i raise my head it's all darkness 

자릴 옮겨봐도 검은 벽뿐

though i try to move, i only see black walls  

상자 속안에 머물긴 싫은데

i don't like staying in a box 

벌써 이 곳에 익숙해 지는데

i'm already used to this place 

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

김광석 - 사랑했지만 (kim kwang seok - though i love you) (1991) 

beautiful song. he kind of reminds me of bob dylan, but with a unique korean sensibility - brusque and melancholy - infused into his melody and lyrics 

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

wasn't expecting the songs from this album to top their amazing previous album "drift". but i was surprised, quite a decent release with their style sticking true to the my aunt mary i love so much :)

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

music in secret love affair - episodes 6-10

Episode 6  

1. Liszt - Spanish Rhapsody 

Sun Jae ; Claudio Arrau 

I could watch this scene forever - not only because of what happens after that, but also watching their reactions flicker across their faces as the piece goes on really shows that they've been transported into a different world, of music. I wonder how it's like hearing your own piece? From what I can see, it seems that SJ knows that he's hitting the right notes to the desired effect - he knows he's damn good, and he knows that she knows it too. 

Episode 7 

He plays Liszt again for his audition piece in episode 7. 

Episode 8, 9, 10 

1. Rachmaninoff - Variations on a Theme of Paganini 

SJ&HW ; SJ's recital ; Full version played by Rachmaninoff 

SJ plays this with Hye Won on the piano and with the orchestra, and I have to say that I really enjoy the piano version. I've always preferred quieter, smaller scale music, but it is through this duet between them that really moves me, how in sync they are.

NB: Before watching SLA, I'd only heard the original theme (Paganini's Caprice 24) and the 18th variation from Somewhere in Time, so when I first heard it, I was like, wait what's somewhere in time doing in the middle of this, lol. 

2. Brahms - Intermezzo in A Major, Op 118 No. 2 

SJ ; Ivo Pogorelich*

I love this song! I am so glad they put this in. Brahms wrote this in his later years, when he was a sad and single little old man - and hence his Intermezzi (Op 117-119) are known to be quiet, contemplative pieces. He dedicated these pieces to Clara Schumann. Back in the day when Brahms was a young fledging composer (I guess around SJ's age now?!) Robert Schumann took him under his wing. Story goes that he greatly admired Schumann yet fell deeply in love with his pianist wife, Clara Schumann too. Robert Schumann was plagued by mental illnesses and finally died after committing suicide, but did Brahms and Clara get together (when they were both deeply attached to each other)? No. Instead Brahms went away and did his own thing, yet remained on close terms with Clara throughout the rest of his life. (source) What made them live separate lives when they were both clearly in love with each other? A piece of 19th century gossip that I'll always wonder about. 

SJ says it's his love letter to HW. I'm sure SJ knows about the backstory of Brahms and Clara, which he probably related to (19th century noona romance + wife has husband). I also love how HW appears so nonchalant as she walks out of the theatre and watches the performance from a screen outside - the way ticket-sellers, ushers, and people who can't get to see the concert would do. I do feel the pang of distance and lost opportunities for HW - I mean, I guess if I were her I would feel a mixture of pride, envy (as it's something she always wanted to do), and distance - hence I love how SJ is obviously looking around the stage for her - there's no distance - it's still him and he's not caring about the crowd at all - he only needs her. 

*Btw I've chosen Ivo Pogorelich's version because he has an interesting backstory too - he's also part of this noona romance clan. He was declared a genius at 17 during the Chopin Piano Competition in 1980. He caused the jury to be intensely divided over his interpretations (either "crazy" or "genius"). He also married his teacher, Aliza Kezeradze, who was 21 years his senior and left her husband to be with him. He describes his late wife (who passed away in 1996) as follows - 

I had to reinvent myself. She was so demanding. She clothed herself in art, she absorbed it, devoured it. She was so universal. She had everything, class, education, beauty, talent and affection. She outshone everything like a comet. You could never stand still with her, that's true, she was always on the go. Even in death she was still the princess she was born as. 

(source)

His wife's death took a huge toll on him - he retreated from the music scene, and has only recently started treading gingerly back into the classical performing world again. 

His take on the piece is a lot slower than normal; some describe it as maudlin and draggy but come on, with a past like that he should have enough emotional fodder to light this piece with true passion (and I think he does :) )

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

music in secret love affair - episodes 3-5

Episode 3  

1. Beethoven - Sonata Op. 53, 1st Movement

No links here. The rich annoying girl who's not capable of getting into the school talent-wise is practising this, with her teacher grimacing in the bg, haha. 

2. Schubert - Wanderer Fantasy D 760 

Sunjae ; Full version*

I love this scene - where he tries to take off her shoes and her - "unbuckle your belt!" SJ "are you going to hit my abs?". too cute indeed. 

*Is it just a coincidence that most of the pieces in SLA so far that I've searched up tend to be among Richter's notable recordings? hmmmmm... 

Episode 4 

1. Gustav Lange - Blumenlied (Flower Song) Op 39 

SLA ; Youtube version 

This scene and what happens immediately after is painful to watch. We watch Sun Jae as he digs, or rather, stabs violently at the pile of dirt upon hearing the song that drives him crazy. After doing a quick search, I found out that Gustav Lange and his pieces have been relegated into practise-room drills for reluctant kids around the world. However, though his pieces may lost its lustre for most people (the version we hear on SLA), beauty can still be imbued into it (see yt link above - probably something more aligned with what SJ imagines the song to sound like). And I think that was what SJ was so annoyed about - there were people out there lucky enough to do what he longed so much to do - and yet doing it without giving a single thought to it. To be fair to the ahjummonni, it wasn't really her role to play with feeling, creative interpretation as she was just accompanying, but I can also see how SJ, driven crazy with passion, rejection and hopelessness, would feel this way. Poor SJ :(  

2. Chopin - Cello Sonata in G Minor Op 65 

SLA

When the poor cello girl finds out her instrument is a fake. 

Episode 5 

1. Schubert - Fantasy in F minor (solo piano) 

For the fourth (?) time. 

2. Chopin - Etude Op 10 No. 1 

SunJae ; Full ver by Evgeny Kissin

Incredibly emotional piece and a great way to convey his emotions in a way that Hye Won can accept after her "you speak too much" retort to SJ. Music is their common language after all.

SJ explains to her that he figured that playing the piano would be a good way to express himself instead of talking, and I think he takes that realisation in stride and does it again later *spoiler alert* in episode 6 - playing Liszt to counter Hye Won's words - "Don't hit on me thinking of your mother" - and, haha, his ahemphysical reaction after that more than answered her; and again in episode 11 (?) when he plays Paganini to show his friends he's gonna roll (in more ways than one) with Hye Won, and this is how he does it. 

3. Mozart - "Ah vous dirai-je, Maman" (a.k.a Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

SJ ; The Complete 12 Variations 

*spoiler alert* Aw man, kid is so happy here, compared to his troubled dark version of it in episode 14. 

4. Mozart - Sonata for 4 Hands K 521, Allegro 

SJ & HW ; complete

I love how they play Mozart - their relationship up to this point has been emotionally charged but fragmented, full of hurt (on SJ's part), barbs and denial (on HW's part) but this very platonic-sounding Mozart fun that they're having here is a sort of positive sign that their relationship - if one were to develop (and of course it does) - would not only be sustained by lust and longing - but would have fun moments like these in it as well. 

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

music in secret love affair - episodes 1-2

Episode 1 

1. Bela Bartók - Suite Op. 14  

When OHW and prof Kang are watching the video of Sun Jae playing and she explains that SJ's hands are injured, instead of being "a crazy player"

2. Schubert - Fantasy in F minor for 4 Hands 

This performance really reminds me of this one, if not for any reason other than the fact that it's also played by two Korean guys. But I would be surprised if the music director didn't think of this performance when choosing this song. 

NB: After Sun Jae describes playing this with Hye Won as "the climax itself", the though keeps popping into my mind while listening to other versions of it. Homoeroticism, let my imagination run unabounds lol. 

Then, during the same concert Prof Jo goes on to play 3. Beethoven - Emperor Concerto. Nothing much to say about this one, except, yay! it's a song that I recognise haha. Then Kang goes on to play 4. Smetana - Piano Trio in G minor Op. 15 (scene) with the 2 musicians that were badmouthing him earlier. Ooh, just realised that the cellist turns out to be a his corrupt cellist friend later on. 

Episode 2 

The songs below are from when SJ plays at HW's home for the first time. 

1. Bach - The Well-Tempered Clavier, 846 

Here's the scene and here's another version by no other than SLA's favourite (dead) pianist, Sviatoslav Richter (the first track). 

Wow, just realised that Hye Won already starts tearing up at the first song. Yeah, you were right, Prof Kang, she'd already fallen for him, his music, early on. 

It is also in this scene when Hye Won asks him why he doesn't use the pedal, and also the difference between thought and interpretation. Well, I think it's semantics mostly, but I like the fact that SJ chooses to play it without the pedal to sound clearer. It reminds me of his candid bursts of confessions to come in the next few episodes - the musical version is more elegant, no doubt, but you could say that as a person he values clarity, honesty and sincerity - none of that veiled bullshitting that goes around in Hye Won's office - and that translates beautifully into his confessions, of word or of melody alike. 

2. Liszt - Variations on a Theme of Paganini, etude 4 

Just did a quick search of how people played this, and the impression I'm getting is that SJ's version is a lot more staccato than how it's normally played (cf. here and here), probably because of his choice not to use the sustaining pedal. The emergence of the "unique style" that the professors will talk about later, perhaps?

3. Mozart - Sonata in A Minor, K 310 

SJ's, Richter's 

Really, Hye Won - you can cry even to Mozart? It must really be SJ that moves you... 

4. Tchaikovsky - The Seasons - April (The Snow Drop) 

I think it's worth listening to SJ's version here, I quite like this interpretation, he takes it quite freely with the tempo in a manner that somehow suits him(?) I think so, anyway haha 

5. Beethoven - Sonata "Appassionata", 3rd Movement 

Sun Jae version ; full version by Pollini 

Sun Jae also "plays" this on the bridge (the bridge on which he refused to stop with Da Mi) and I think it mirrors his emotions quite well. Appassionata always sounds to me like a storm - I guess passionate love is a storm of emotions, and his whole world would have been shaken up after exposing his inner, musical self and falling hard for Hye Won. Yup, quite an appropriate choice. 

6. Schubert - Fantasia in F Minor for 4 Hands 

Ah, yes, the Schubert. I don't think there's a need to talk about it further, is there? ;)

I'm just going to add that I like the fact that Hye Won takes the bass. True, this was a chance for Sun Jae to demonstrate his abilities so he should naturally play the melody, but I think it also adds to my overall perception of capability, masculinity, and all the other great things that Hye Won is that her husband is not. 

NB: I really like the piano OST too. So understated and subtle just like the drama itself, so full of quiet yearning. Can be found in this 8tracks SLA playlist :)  

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

selected my favourite lines only, this is not the whole song 세상과 나의 궁합 따위는 믿지 않았어

me and the world are one? i didn't believe it 

돈이 궁할때에도 내가 믿은 건 오로지

when i'm in need of money, the only thing i believe in is

내 음악 때론 불안해서 그만두고 싶었지만

my music, though sometimes when i felt unhappy i wanted to give up

난 꿈을 꿨어 항상 끝내주게 사는 삶

i dreamed a dream - that i would always live a damn awesome life 

그렇게 거리속에서 고민속에서 내 모든 걸 다 올인하고서 

so, in these roads, in these worries, i put in my all 

살았던 10년이 지나고 내 생각은 그대로

10 years have passed, and i still think the same 

음악은 나를 다시 또 일으켜 세웠어

music got me to my feet again 

마침표 따윈 없어 아직도 모든 게 가벼워졌어

no stopping, everything's become easier

 더 먼 곳을 가

 i go further places

더 먼 곳을 봐 더 큰 꿈을 꾼다

look further, dream bigger dreams  내 스케줄 달력에서 빨간 날을 지웠어

take out the red days (public holidays) from my calendar

부러진 발목으로 무대 위를 뛰었어

with a broken ankle i jumped around on stage

다 포기하고 꿈 하나만 키웠어

i gave up everything, only kept one dream 

인기에 대한 욕심은 E- 진작에 비웠어

remove all the desire for fame 

그렇게 살았어 10년을 세월도 못 꺾었지

the 10 years i lived like that, i didn't crack

내 집념을 무명 이불 덮고서 깊이 재웠던

my name, so unknown it was like covered by a thick blanket

내 이름은 바보 같은 세상을 이제서야 깨웠어

now the foolish world knows my name 

맨 바닥에 근데 그러던 세상이 지금 우릴 따라해 알어?

we were always rock bottom, but now the world is following us, you know that?

갑자기 지금 날 사랑한데, 갑자기 친한 친구라며 나를 자랑하네

suddenly they love me, praise me as their good friend

세상의 보상은 좀 달콤해 맞아

yeah, payback is sweet

허나 나는 도취되도 절대 도취되지는 않아

though i will drink in (my success), i won't ever get drunk

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

이문세 - 옛사랑

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZRSry1KH2M 

남들도 모르게 서성이다(hang around) 울었지

without other people knowing, (i) hung around and cried 

지나온 일들이 가슴에 사무쳐(pierce one's heart) 

the passing days have pierced my heart 

텅빈 하늘밑 불빛들 켜져가면 

under the empty sky the street lights turn on 

옛사랑 그이름 아껴(conserve) 불러보네 

i call out my old love's name  찬바람 불어와 옷깃을 여미우다(adjust) 

the cold wind blows and i adjust my clothing 

후회가 또 화가 난 눈물이 흐르네 

regret and anger come, tears flow 

누가 물어도 아플것 같지 않던 지나온 내모습 모두 거짓인걸 

my past face, which, if you asked anyone, seemed happy - that's all a lie

이제 그리운 것은 그리운대로(as) 내맘에 둘거야 

그대 생각이 나면 생각난대로(as) ��버려두듯이  흰눈 나리면 들판에(field) 서성이다 

the white snow falls and i hang around the field 

옛사랑 생각에 그길 찾아가지 

while thinking of my old love and i have found this path 

광화문거리 흰눈에 덮여가고 

the white snow covers the wide street

하얀눈 하늘높이 자꾸 올라가네(going up?!)

the white snow keeps going high up into the sky  이제 그리운 것은 그리운대로 내맘에 둘거야  그대 생각이 나면 생각난대로 내버려 두듯이  사랑이란게 지겨울때가 있지 내맘에 고독이（孤獨）  너무 흘러넘쳐 눈녹은 ��날 푸르른 잎새(leaf)위에 

the overflowing slush on a green leaf on a spring day 

옛사랑 그대모습 영원속에 있네 

my old love, your image will always be there 흰눈 나리면 들판을 서성이다  옛사랑 생각에 그길 찾아가지  광화문 거리 흰눈에 덮여가고  하얀눈 하늘높이 자꾸올라가네

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

아무래도 난 돌아가야겠어. 

anyway i think i need to go back

이곳은 나에게 어울리지 않아

this place does not suit me 

화려한 유혹 속에서 웃고 있지만

though i'm laughing in the midst of the glittering temptations

모든 것이 낯설기만 해

everything feels unfamiliar to me

외로움에 길들여진 후로

after getting used to the loneliness

차라리 혼자가 마음편한 것을

being alone is more comfortable

어쩌면 너는 아직도 이해 못하지

maybe you won't understand 

내가 너를 모르는 것처럼

just like how i don't know you either

언제나 선택이란 둘 중에 하나

decisions are always one or the other

연인 또는 타인뿐인걸 

lovers or strangers

그 무엇도 될 수 없는 나의 슬픔을

my sadness of not being able to be either

무심하게 바라만 보는 너

you just look on coldly 

처음으로 난 돌아가야겠어

i need to go back to the beginning

힘든 건 모두가 다를 게 없지만

though hardship is the same everywhere

나에게 필요한 것은 휴식뿐이야

the only thing i need is a break

약한 모습 보여서 미안해

for showing you my weak side, i'm sorry

하지만 언젠가는 돌아올 거야

but i'll come back someday

휴식이란 그런 거니까

because it was only a break 

내 마음이 넓어지고 자유로워져

when my heart has become wider and freer

너를 다시 만나면 좋을 거야

when i meet you again then, it'll be better

처음으로 난 돌아가야겠어

i need to go back to the beginning

힘든 건 모두가 다를 게 없지만

though hardship is the same everywhere

나에게 필요한 것은 휴식뿐이야

the only thing i need is a break

약한 모습 보여서 미안해

for showing you my weak side, i'm sorry

약한 모습 보여서 미안해

for showing you my weak side, i'm sorry

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

특별한 바램 - a special wish

   걷다보니 여기까지왔네요 

i’ve walked till here

홀로서는 나를 바라보아요

look at me standing all alone  

생각보다쉽진 않네요

i wasn’t as easy as i thought 

결코내맘대로 되지않는 하루하루가 답답하죠 

the days which didn’t go as i wanted made me sad 

잠시한번 주윌둘러보아요

sometimes i turn around and look at my surroundings 

홀로사는 많은 이를 만나요 

there are many times when i’m alone 

생각보다 외롭지않죠

it’s not as lonely as i’d thought it would be though

나와같은 누군가와 동행하는것

someone like me is accompanying me 

같은길을 걸어가는 것

we’re walking the same path 

  [chorus]

오 아름다운 우리바램이

oh ~ our wish is beautiful 

지나간 시간속에 잃어버린꿈이라해도

though as time passes they have become lost dreams 

꿈이라해도..

dreams…

나는 행복한 내 삶의 유일한 사람이죠

in my happy life, you’re the only one 

  다시한번 힘을내봐요

again, let’s add oil 

하고싶은 일이 많았잖아요 

cos there’s a lot of things we want to do 

추억속에 꿈들을 찾아

looking for dreams in my memory 

실패해도 포기하지 않고 살아가는것

though i fail, i’m not gonna give up, i’m gonna live

그렇게 배워가는 것 

that’s how i learn 

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

uplifting song :D as expected of aunt mary. 

[koreanauralstuff-blog]

don't deny it, we all have a soft spot for these sticky sweet, horribly romantic 90s ballads (;