Who is YIRUMA?
(Yiruma means accomplishment in Korean)
An accomplished 31-year-old artist (pianist, composer, producer), Yiruma was born in February 15th, 1978 in Korea and raised in England. He began playing the piano when he was 5 and moved to London, England at the age of 11 to study music at The Purcell School of Music in London. He was the first Korean who graduated as a composition major from Kings College of London University.
His first album was released by DECCA in 2001, a prestigious classical music label while he was still studying at Kings College. During this time, he also performed a music tour throughout Europe and composed for musicals, film and theatre. He performed at the 2002 MIDEM in Cannes, France, and he was the first Korean artist ever to be invited to perform at this world-renowned music festival. His albums were licensed for release across Europe and Asia. All 5 albums have been licensed in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
2 years after his 2nd album, Yiruma released his 3rd album 'From the yellow room.' Pre-order sales alone topped 30,000 copies and the album was top-ranked on almost every music chart. Not only his 12 city national tour but also his November concert at the Seoul National Arts Center was sold out. On November 2005, he released his 4th album, 'POEMUSIC,' which is full of lyrical melody. Following year, he composed a main theme song for popular Korean drama 'Spring's waltz.' Then, he released 5th album, 'h.i.s monologue.' In this album, he experienced prepared piano technique, which is about having percussion feeling in beautiful melody. While he was making his success continuously in music industry, he made up his mind to join Navy in order to do his duty as a Korean. Although he formerly held dual citizenship as a citizen of the United Kingdom and South Korea, he gave up his British citizenship. After two years, he finished his service in Navy and came back with his 6th album, P.N.O.N.I.
His first album was released by DECCA in 2001, a prestigious classical music label while he was still studying at Kings College. During this time, he also performed a music tour throughout Europe and composed for musicals, film and theatre. He performed at the 2002 MIDEM in Cannes, France, and he was the first Korean artist ever to be invited to perform at this world-renowned music festival. His albums were licensed for release across Europe and Asia. All 5 albums have been licensed in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
2 years after his 2nd album, Yiruma released his 3rd album 'From the yellow room.' Pre-order sales alone topped 30,000 copies and the album was top-ranked on almost every music chart. Not only his 12 city national tour but also his November concert at the Seoul National Arts Center was sold out. On November 2005, he released his 4th album, 'POEMUSIC,' which is full of lyrical melody. Following year, he composed a main theme song for popular Korean drama 'Spring's waltz.' Then, he released 5th album, 'h.i.s monologue.' In this album, he experienced prepared piano technique, which is about having percussion feeling in beautiful melody. While he was making his success continuously in music industry, he made up his mind to join Navy in order to do his duty as a Korean. Although he formerly held dual citizenship as a citizen of the United Kingdom and South Korea, he gave up his British citizenship. After two years, he finished his service in Navy and came back with his 6th album, P.N.O.N.I.
YIRUMA's MUSICAL STYLE
Yiruma's musical style can be classified as elegant and romantic. One of his most popular songs "River Flows in You", was re-packaged and placed on a compilation of wedding songs titled "Wedding Essentials: The Ceremony." Many of his songs have a rhythmic and melodious meter. Many measures of the sheet music have patterns which the audience and the pianist can easily discover. Although he has been placed into the genre of "Classical" by some listeners, he is actually considered a "World Music" or "New Age" artist. Characteristics of true classical music include: a symmetrical and definite melody, a homophonic texture (two or more melodies unite in harmony) and a regular rhythm. In many of Yiruma's songs, some of classical influence in the note composition can be found, yet Yiruma is not a classical Pianist.
TO ME, YIRUMA IS...
Yiruma's music is so delicate and elegant, but it is also powerful. His easy-to-follow melodies comfort the audience and give some kind of messages even without lyrics. There is a certain quality to his music. There seems only to be love in his tunes, the positive and the hopeful. This may be hard to comprehend, but after listening to his music, everyone will understand. I feel blessed whenever I hear his music.His music speaks to your heart and he captivates everyone with his tunes.
He once said,
"If I were part of the general public, I would want to listen to calm and simple music, not something too complicating. I don’t think I would I choose those kind of music to listen to myself."
“When I write my music, I always think about creating pieces that the public can easily listen and relate to, as well as pieces that anyone can easily play themselves.”
Yiruma does not try to emphasize his piano skills. Even amateur players can play his songs easily. He wants the audience to be able to engage and enjoy his music.This is why everyone loves him and his music.Links to his music:
Kiss the Rain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIbUNfg_wmM
River Flows in You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhN7SG-H-3k
Love Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oYlR8WRLqk
Maybe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9E6TFb6QRk
