Pianist Paik to Perform Messiaens Work
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Pianist Paik Kun-woo will perform Olivier Messiaen's two-hour ``Vingt Regards sur l'enfant-Jesus'' for the first time in 12 years.
``It's hard to pinpoint the differences between now and 12 years ago. We (the piece and himself) are not complete strangers, so I'm trying to take a step forward and take my understanding to the next level,'' Paik, 62, said during a press conference Friday.
This performance will be a dedication event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Messiaen's birth.
Messiaen is considered one of the most celebrated composers in the world, not to mention a successful organist and curiously enough, an ornithologist. Born in France, he started composing at the age of eight, and continued his musical journey until he died in 1992. He was appointed organist at the church of La Trinite in Paris in 1931 and was deeply interested in the sounds of birds, which were expressed in many of his works.
``I was very young when I first discovered his works. When I did, I was deeply touched. I think it was back in 1968 or 1969 when I first saw him in person. I was startled when I first saw him though. He was an old man but he enjoyed wearing bright colorful clothes with flower prints,'' Paik laughed as he described his encounter with the composer.
``Vingt Regards sur l'enfant-Jesus,'' roughly translated to ``Twenty Gazes on the Infant Jesus,'' is a collection of pieces for the solo piano. It not only is one of Messiaen's finest works, but also one of the greatest piano pieces of the twentieth century.
Comprised of twenty movements, ``Jesus'' carries various themes including the theme of God, the star and the cross, mystical love and joy. It is also considered one of the most difficult works for pianists.
``The piece is indeed difficult. As a pianist, `Jesus' requires flamboyant techniques, but I don't think that's the main purpose. I think (Messiaen) created this piece to offer the pianist and the audience a religious experience. There are not many piano works that carry religious themes and so it was even difficult for me to understand it at first. In musical or technical terms, it's not that hard, but in terms of religious standards, the piece is hard to interpret,'' said Paik.
For Paik, understanding the master's religious intentions in the work was more important than practicing the techniques, and so he started to study religion, asking for guidance from Catholic Bishop Lee Byeong-ho, and studying the Bible.
``As I studied, I came to realize how intense Messiaen's religious life was. The work is not seen from a human's point of view, but God's. I felt not the love we have for individuals, but the love that can embrace the whole world,'' he said.
For the veteran pianist, interacting with the younger generation is also crucial, and so he is planning to hold concerts with pianists like Kim Sun-wook and Kim Jun-hee next year.
``To become a great musician, you must have only one thing in your mind: Music, music, music. You must be true to your music and yourself and have great passion in trying to bring out your own sound,'' Paik advised.
``I don't think there are many countries that love music like Korea. I have been to many countries, but I still think we are one of the best in terms of musical expression,'' he said with a smile.
Paik will perform Nov. 30 at Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 318-4301 or visit www.ticketlink.co.kr.