Few instruments can stir the soul as much as the violin. There’s something special about the instrument that helps us relate to its emotional qualities. This is in part due to its range and to its available techniques. As Johnson String Instruments puts it, “the violin’s range allows it to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions, from hauntingly beautiful to deeply sorrowful. Its ability to sustain notes and produce rich vibrato adds to its emotional depth, making it an ideal instrument for portraying complex feelings.”
This makes it perfect for covering popular tunes, and today we’re checking out how it fits so perfectly on wave to earth‘s “love.”
wave to earth is a South Korean indie rock trio that formed in 2019, but didn’t release their debut album, “0.1 Flaws and All,” until 2023. The release is semi-conceptual, according to the band.
“We divided the tracks into two sides: one side has a bright, pop vibe, while the other has a dark, melancholic jazz sound,” they told Allure Korea.
Closing out Side A is “love,” with a dreamy atmosphere, jangly guitars, and a laid-back tempo.
The song’s intro has a beautiful ascending line that is actually a straight A major scale, proving that context can make even the simplest concepts perfect. The second measure adjusts pitch to match the A augmented chord in the harmony. The stream of constant eighth notes resolves to quarter notes as the tension of A augmented is resolved to a DMaj7.
A major is a foundational key on the violin, and this emotional intro can begin on the open A string. Check out the intro performed by YouTuber onesemble, which also shows that you barely need to shift to reach the highest notes in the line.
The vocal melody also fits nicely on the violin, especially in how it mirrors the song’s emotional arc. Wave to earth singer Daniel Kim delivers the words in a delicate manner that translates well to the violin’s capabilities, particularly with its controlled vibrato and dynamic shaping.
It sits comfortably within the instrument’s range, making it approachable for intermediate players. As with any piece, though, it takes expressive maturity to make the violin sing. The phrasing demands breath-like articulation, making violinists think like singers. Where would the singer breathe? Taking this into account adds another human-like element that brings the music to life.
As the sound producer, the bow is also key to creating the right texture. Connecting the right syllables with legato bowing replicates how the words come together.
“love.” is part of a broad trend of violinists reimagining contemporary music into a more classical arrangement. Korean music has been on the rise globally, despite language barriers. Violin provides the same emotional layers without being bound to a specific narrative meaning.
Check out YouTuber zephyr focusing on Kim’s parts:
Get the sheet music for “love.” and express your own feelings:
