Wandering through her dreams
for solo piano

Program Note

As I was thinking about writing a piano solo piece, I wanted to create something that held a personal story. I came up with an old Korean lullaby that reminded me of my childhood memories with my grandmother. I remember a time when I was sick and couldn’t sleep, she would gently pat me and sing this tune for me. Although I was very young at the time, I still remember the feeling of comfort she brought me.

My grandma has been bedridden for almost ten years now, so I don’t have many memories of her growing up. However, I do have bits and pieces of memories, like her driving me to school, buying me fancy colored pencils that I still own, cooking delicious meals, and her big laughter.

During her struggle with Alzheimer's, she kept repeating the same thing over and over. My family made an effort to make the most of the time we had with her while she was still able to speak and walk. I recall us going to the park, learning Korean calligraphy, and attending the Vienna Boy’s Choir concert together. Although I can’t hear her sing again, I am grateful for these memories, and that I can write a piece to remember the old days. “Wandering through her dreams” is my love letter to her, and I hope it brings her the same comfort she has given me.