French vs Korean impressionism

By Deung-Yong Jung, AJU Economy KR, 2017

French Impressionism vs. Korean Impressionism Presented by Pianist Hie-Yon Choi

“French music played a central role in the Baroque and modern periods of European music history. It stands at the heart of contemporary music. Through this project, I want to present three stages and share the French spirit that cherishes tradition while moving boldly into modernity.”

Pianist Hie-Yon Choi (Professor at Seoul National University) has captured audiences with programs of remarkable academic depth. Drawn to French repertoire such as Debussy, she designed a three-part concert series.

On October 26, she presents the recital l’image at Kumho Art Hall—the second stage of her three-part “French School” series this fall, focusing on major works of the French piano tradition.

Choi will perform twelve Préludes by Debussy, the leading figure of musical Impressionism that swept late-19th-century France, along with Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit. She will also give the world premiere of Reflet dans l’eau by composer Uzong Choe, who evokes a Korean atmosphere using motivic gestures influenced by French Impressionism.

Uzong Choe, professor of composition at Seoul National University and artistic director of TIMF, is known for numerous music-theater works—including As the Moon Walks on the Water—created in collaboration with Yeonheedan street-theater company. His new work imagines the shimmering reflections of a mirror beneath the water’s surface.

The final stage of the series, l’amour, is scheduled for November 30. Here, Choi turns her attention to duo works by Debussy, Franck, and Messiaen. She will be joined by the poetic pianist Young-Lan Han (Professor at Yonsei University) and Jong-Do An, a serious artist and second-prize winner of the Long-Thibaud International Competition in France.

In the first half, Choi and Han will perform Debussy’s four-hand Épigraphes Antiques and Franck’s Prélude, Fugue et Variation. In the second half, Choi joins An for Messiaen’s monumental Visions de l’Amen.