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 an arrangement for solo piano (more measured than my usual style) together with its simplified notation (see 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
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: 8 July 2025.