This series explores the ontological intersections of nomadic memory, spiritual practice, and the environmental ‘vessel-world’ of Mongolia. Please refer to the Index of Landscapes and Articles for other works that may be of interest.
The imagination continues to surprise in its capacity to form mental images that inspire artistic work. Aal (zan) [Ааль (зан)]is a well-known traditional Mongolian song performed with the morin khuur. Presented here without the lyrics or an English translation is a measured arrangement for solo piano, together with simplified notation below.
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In memory of Paul Hoschke (1953 – 2025)
On the 17th of June 2025, on a highway not far from a small town in the Australian countryside, there was a horrific road accident. Someone very dear to us was very badly (and unexpectedly) hurt. Ever optimistic, together and alone, we awaited news of their progress and recovery. In a situation such as this, words alone, however well-assembled, seemed inadequate. Something deeper that resonates heart-to-heart is required: a simple offering of thought-ful, gentle music along with our unfaltering loving kindness and support.
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Notation
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FURTHER READING
For a poetic companion to this musical remembrance, Mongolian Poetry 62: “Think Well” in Five Stanzas turns gently toward thought, conduct and the qualities we can carry through life.
From personal memory to the relationships through which lives are valued, Letter from Mongolia 12: On Meritocracy considers buyan (merit), ethical reciprocity and the social bonds through which regard is formed and sustained.
For another reflective approach to care and respect, Artscape 01: Tooltalking considers how material objects can carry meaning within relationships, scholarly practice and long-term cross-cultural ethnography.
For a reflection on music, listening and creative imagination, see Letter from Mongolia 07: Music and Imagination, which considers how musical experience opens different imaginative and interpretive possibilities.
End of transcript.
Please refer to the INDEX for other music and articles that may be of interest.
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© 2013-2026. CP in Mongolia. “Landscape 14: Aal (zan)” is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Open access should not be understood as the absence of attribution. Documents and works linked from this page may be subject to other restrictions. Posted: 23 June. Last updated: 1 October 2026. |