It is amazing how some of the simplest, most repetitive piano pieces can be the most captivating and endearing. When I first started composing on the piano in high school, and then later in college as a music major, I thought I had to create complex, grandiose works to be innovative and noticed. Yet, time has proven that the opposite is true for composers. It is usually the simple pieces that are most effective, probably because they are easier to digest and relate to emotionally.
Yiruma’s “River Flows in You” is one such example. It is the composer’s most famous work to date and is widely popular around the world. Fans speak of crying their hearts out every time they hear it. How can such a simple piece have such a profound effect?
I think the answer is akin to the adage, “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.” Or in this case, “in the ear of the listener.” This piano piece has struck a chord and become a sounding board for a wide range of emotions…the greatest of which is love. Many say the piece swells their being with memories of loved ones, or desire for loving connection. That its delicate quality conveys a warm, peaceful feeling that can also feel sad at times. Much like the intertwined relationship between love and sorrow.
“River Flows in You” was released on Yiruma’s album “First Love” in 2001. The Korean composer (born Lee Ru-ma, but known professionally as Yiruma) catapulted in popularity after his tune was included on the soundtrack to the film, “Twilight.” The piece is now considered a modern piano favorite.
Yiruma has been compared to Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi. Both are considered contemporary classical composers who have penetrated the popular music genre. They both use elements of minimalism, new age, pop and classical in their compositions, including effective themes, simple structures, and lots of repetition.
Yiruma explained a little about his compositional process: “I kind of just go along with feelings that I get. For example, the most successful track I have ever written is The River Flows in You. I saw one of the adverts for Riverdance on TV, and the way they dance is very similar to the hand movements I was playing on the keys. All the fingers moving around. It was like dancing on the keys.”
The melody of this piece flows like a river, indeed, with its continuous eighth- and sixteenth-note movement, reinvigorated with use of grace notes. Written in the key of A major, the theme is gently introduced in a tentative way, revealing only a glimpse until it finally develops its full bloom. The river roars before it dies back down, allowing the process to repeat again. Much like the swelling and receding tides of large bodies of water.
I think the repetition gives space and time for emotion to develop and grow in the listener. When combined with a simple and beautiful melody, repetition can provide a backdrop for memories and feelings that are often right below the surface. Ironically, it is the simplest elements that can release the powerful potential of music.
After he gave a performance in Los Angeles, Yiruma said: “the concert was sold out and people were really, really cheering. It’s quite unusual to see people cheering after playing something that is really calm and quiet.”
Yiruma explained that his goal in creating music is to bring spirituality and joy to others. He said:
“Music should help people and change people. To move them and make them more generous. There are people who mention that after they listen to my music, they feel really good about themselves. That changes people, thinking good about themselves. And that changes society and the world. My music is for everyone. Just listen to it. You’ll feel good.”
If you are interested in learning a simpler arrangement of this beautiful and meditative song, I’ve created a piano lesson series intended for beginner to early-intermediate level students. This modern classic is made easy to learn with detailed, step-by-step instruction. Referencing the sheet music, you’ll learn notation, note values and counting, and fingering. Below is a demonstration of the arrangement. To learn more or enroll, visit https://learn.marisamusicstudio.com/products/courses/river-flows-in-you.