Between Pop and Classical: Listening to Piano Versions of Jae-Ha Yoo’s Because I Love You
- Yeoul Choi
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Korean Singer Jae-ha Yoo (1962–1987) is one of the most respected and revered figures among Korean pop music fans. He was a composer and singer-songwriter of genius-level talent, the kind that the Korean music scene may never see again. Tragically, he passed away in an car accident at the age of 25, leaving behind only one album—yet this album is considered so outstanding that every song in it is regarded as a masterpiece. Songs such as Because I Love You (the title track), You in My Arms, The Reflection of Myself in My Heart, A Sad Letter, and The Hidden Path all feature Yoo’s piano performance and superb orchestration, with even classical musicians participating in the recording, resulting in every tracks of remarkable quality.
Classical Sensibilities embedded in Korean Pop Music
Today, we will take a closer look at the title track of Jae-ha ’s album, Because I Love You, along with two piano arrangement versions of it. Even if you are not a fan of Yoo, you have probably heard the main melody of Because I Love You at least once! The introduction—featuring string orchestra accompaniment, a clarinet solo, and the melody taken up by the flute—reveals Yoo’s featuring musical style, which is deeply rooted in classical training. What stands out is that the classical instruments are not simply providing background accompaniment; each plays an excellent counterpoint of the main melody. A clear example of this is the quiet bassoon countermelody that appears at 1:53 (Please move to this point and play it) . His orchestration technic is thus very similar to that of traditional classical composers like Rachmaninoff or Brahms. After the first verse ends, a drum and electric guitar solo appear while the strings continue to provide the background sound. With its lyrical melody and amazing harmonies, orchestration centered on strings, solid harmonic foundation, and at the same time, the presence of a band sound. This piece reveals another side of when performed on the piano.
The 1st Piano Arrangement by George Harliono
The first version was performed by pianist George Harliono as an encore at his recital in the Seoul Arts Center. It appears that he improvised it without a score.
Simplicity and Faithfulness
George’s arrangement is characterized by its simplicity and its faithful adherence to the original melody and harmony, though the tempo is slightly faster than the original. The way he begins without an introduction—jumping straight into the main theme in the upper register with a light touch—adds to the charm of this interpretation.
Structural Unity in Improvisation
Remarkably, despite being an improvisation, he brings the piece full circle by repeating the same main melody one octave lower in unison at the closing, creating a sense of structural unity between the opening and the ending.
Classical Influence
On the surface, the performance may seem straightforward, with the right hand carrying the melody and the left hand providing accompaniment. However, it is important to remember that this is an improvised rendition by the professional pianist! The left-hand accompaniment spans a wide range, producing a remarkably rich sound. At certain moments, the deep bass line is reinforced with octave unisons, giving the performance a solid foundation—an approach reminiscent of classical piano music.
The 2nd piano Arrangement by Daeyoun Kim
The second version is by Daeyoun Kim, a jazz pianist based in South Korea. Daeyoun Kim’s piano arrangement of Because I Love You stands out for its emotional and lyrical qualities. This version preserves the sentiment of the original song while adding new layers of depth through delicate piano touches and harmonies.
Key and Tonality
Unlike George’s piano arrangement, Kim’s version is performed in A-flat major, a half-step lower, which matches the original key of the song.
Jazz Harmonies and Tension
One of the most distinctive features of his arrangement is the use of jazz harmonies. The uniquely crafted introduction sounds particularly jazzy because it incorporates notes that create tension, a concept in jazz harmony. These are additional notes added to the basic triads, and since they do not belong to the standard chord tones, they create a sense of suspense and emotional complexity for the listener.
Tempo and Harmonic Variation
The tempo, like George’s arrangement, is slightly faster than the original song. However, unlike George’s version, Kim’s arrangement features more frequent harmonic variations. He subtly modifies the basic harmonic progression of the original by adding richer, jazz-inflected chords, giving the piece a more layered and textured sound. Despite these harmonic embellishments, the emotional core and melody of Yoo Jae-ha’s composition remain intact, making Kim’s version a distinctive blend of fidelity to the original and jazz sophistication.
Would you like to try playing another piano arrangement of Yoo Jae-ha’s timeless classic? If so, try this stunning piano arrangement for yourself—click the link and start playing! 🎹
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