By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, May 16 (Yonhap) -- "Mozart is too easy for children and too difficult for adults," the renowned Austrian American pianist Artur Schnabel once said.
This sentiment resonated with celebrated South Korean pianist Paik Kun-woo as he embarked on his first Mozart album in his nearly seven-decade-long career.
During a press conference in Seoul on Thursday to celebrate his debut Mozart album and upcoming national tour, Paik explained that while Mozart's compositions may appear simple at first glance, they reveal intricate layers of emotion, meaning and complexity upon closer examination, making it daunting to tackle the album.
"Mozart felt really new to me, and it was a great challenge," he said. "Previously, my goal was to interpret Mozart's music in my own style, but now I want to convey the essence of Mozart's music itself."
"When people get older, they tend to return to their hometown. I think music is similar. I started with Beethoven and Mozart to learn the piano, and ventured into modern and contemporary music. But eventually, I came back again."
Pianist Paik Kun-woo speaks during a press conference to promote his new album on Mozart in Seoul on May 16, 2024. (Yonhap)
For the album, Paik aimed to focus on stripping away his own persona when playing the maestro's compositions.
"We often aim to highlight our distinctive traits, but I believe it's more beneficial to let go of oneself, akin to stripping away layers," he said.
"For example, when you look at a rock, you might see a certain shape or form. So, the process of cutting away the unnecessary parts is the work. It's true art."
His latest album, the first release of a three-part series, features some of the composer's lesser-known masterpieces, including Piano Sonata No. 16 "Sonata facile" and "Kleine Gigue in G major," among others.
The cover art for Paik Kun-woo's Mozart album, provided by Universal Music Korea on May 16, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
For the album's cover art, the seasoned pianist opted for a portrait created by a 10-year-old child, whose artwork was chosen through an open competition.
"I found myself yearning for the genuine gaze of an innocent child. I thought it harmonized with music. There's something unique that only children can express," he said. "This painting possesses immense artistic value, characterized by its vibrant colors, lively lines and superb composition, making it fitting as cover art."
Born in 1946, Paik is one of the most celebrated Korean musicians. He started studying piano at a young age and later pursued formal training at the Juilliard School in New York. Known for his exceptional skill and musical interpretation, he has performed globally in prestigious concert halls, and collaborated with renowned orchestras and conductors.
Starting this weekend, the pianist will begin a nationwide tour, visiting around ten cities, including the Seoul Arts Center on June 11, where he will perform selections from the album.
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)
