North Korea (DPR Korea) National Anthem

The title Aegukga literally means "Love the Country". The anthem is played or sung at occasions of national importance. The anthem was composed in 1945 to celebrate independence from Japanese occupation and was adopted as the state anthem in 1947. The national anthem of South Korea, although completely different, shares the same title. The country also has another patriotic song entitled Song of General Kim Il Sung which makes reference to the ruling family. It's taught in schools and played at public gatherings more frequently than the national anthem. The music was written by Kim Won-gyun a North Korean composer and politician who is considered one of the most prominent composers in the country. Although initially self-taught, he later studied in Moscow as well as at a music school in Japan. Several different variants of this national anthem exist within the country. This arrangement is in five independent parts each transposed into a variety of keys. For the most satisfying sound you will need to get a good balance between each part possibly with an emphasis on the melodic line. If you have a non-standard ensemble, you can "pick and mix" as required. The piano reduction can fill missing parts or can be used as the basis for an accompaniment. This arrangement consists of the score with seven instrumental staves (including timpani) and three percussion staves. The following parts are available: Part 1 in B flat, E flat and C; Part 1a in C (8ve higher), E flat (minor 3rd lower for E flat cornet); Part 2 in B flat, E flat and C; Part 2a in C, (8ve higher) E flat (minor 3rd lower for alto clarinet); Part 3 in B flat, E flat, C and F; Part 3a in B flat (8ve lower for 3rd clarinets); Part 4 in B flat, E flat, C and F and Part 5 in B flat, E flat and C. There are also parts for timpani, percussion (2-3 players) and a piano reduction.