Anatomy of a Song: Music as Language of Hope and Sorrow

Musicians know, and the rest of us suspect, that music is its own language. Music is able to convey powerful emotion and meaning in a way that mere words fall short. In this talk and concert, Composer David Jonghak Kim will share the journey of composing his original work for the keyboard called, “And I Sing.”  

In a very difficult season of life, Kim saw a beloved family member decline and ultimately die, struggled with his own health and dealt with his own inner battles of light and darkness. In this presentation, Kim will dissect the journey of “hope, sorrow and desperation” in this musical work of prayer, struggle and confession. 

Here are his words about “And I Sing”: The past year and a half has been one of the most challenging seasons for my family. After a long and difficult battle with health complications, we had to say goodbye to our beloved father-in-law—far too soon. Watching those you love walk through deep sorrow is never easy. Our hearts were filled with questions as we constantly lifted up our prayers to the One above. During those months, life seemed to stand still as we waited—hoping for a miracle, even when we sensed the outcome might not change.

Nothing truly prepares you for that final goodbye. What once were songs of hope turned into melodies of grief and desperation. But it wasn’t just his illness—we were each facing personal trials. I was walking through my own health struggles and a spiritual battle waged quietly within me: a struggle between light and darkness. This piece is inspired by the Korean folk song “Arirang”—a song of longing, of yearning to be reunited with someone across the distance. That same longing lives in my heart as I search and wait for the day we will meet again.

David Jonghak Kim, VCUarts.  Kim is the 2025 Commissioned Composer for the Virginia Music Teachers Association (VMTA).  He has studied with, performed with, and taught master classes with members and professors from McDaniel College, Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Kansas U, Juilliard and the New York Philharmonic.