Imagination never fails to surprise in its seemingly limitless capacity to create mental images that stimulate the creation of artistic works. Aal (zan) [Ааль (зан)] is a well-known traditional song performed by Mongolian musicians with their morin khuur. Without the song’s words or their English language translation, here is a (blue) arrangement for piano (more measured than my usual style) and its simplified notation (see below).
Personal Note
Last week on a highway not far from our village 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 now await news of their progress and recovery. In a situation such as this, words alone, however well-assembled, seem inadequate. Something deeper that resonates heart-to-heart is required: a simple offering of thought-ful, gentle music along with our unfaltering support.
Notation
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab ______________________
Further Reading
Letter from Mongolia 07: Music and Imagination
End of transcript.
Please refer to the INDEX for other music and articles that may be of interest.
© 2013-2025. CP in Mongolia. This post is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Documents and works linked from this page may be subject to other restrictions. Posted: 23 June. Last updated: 23 June 2025.