Yuhki Kuramoto Marks Decade in Korea

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

Beloved pianist, composer and arranger Yuhki Kuramoto fetes a decade of music-making with South Korean fans with his ``Romance'' tour through March 17.

``In my 10 years of performing in Korea, my first concert at Seoul Arts Center, in a full house of 2,800 people, remains my fondest memory,'' said the 58-year-old in an interview in Seoul, Monday. Always wearing a pleasant smile, he didn't forget to make polite greetings in Korean every now and then.

When asked about what was special about the Korean audience, Kuramoto said that he is simply grateful for their love. ``Koreans were the first ones to appreciate my work,'' he said.

Here, Kuramoto is considered the father of New Age, along with artists like George Winston. ``I don't really pay attention to how my music is categorized. My pieces are rooted in classical music and centers around beautiful tunes. They aren't long, like pop, and have a singing melody that Koreans seem to like,'' he said.

Born in Japan in 1951, the pianist made a breakthrough in 1986 with ``Lake Misty Blue'' and continued to find success with projects such as ``Refinement,'' which features the Philharmonia Orchestra.

His recording was introduced in Korea in 1998, and soaring sales invited him for his concert debut at Seoul Arts Center the following year. Ever since, eight of his 13 albums have gone platinum and all 10 of his live performances were sellouts. He also collaborated with renowned Korean artists like pop singer Shin Seung-hoon and soprano Sumi Jo.

In Japan, his albums are steady sellers but often stand apart from mainstream music. It amazes him, he said, that many of his Korean fans are so young. ``Perhaps Korean youths have good ears,'' said the musician, chuckling gently. ``I'm sure they enjoy pop and other genres but they seem to enjoy a more balanced variety of music than their Japanese counterparts.''

On his anniversary tour, the pianist is offering his most popular works, including ``Meditation,'' ``Romance,'' and his first hit, ``Lake Louise.'' Of ``heuinoaerak,'' or the four cornerstones of human emotion _ pleasure, anger, happiness and sorrow _ Kuramoto's serene music only touches upon the latter two.

``With classical symphonies, I often feel they shout `hey, look, isn't this grand' but I don't want that in my work. I wish to make music that is calming, joyful and touching. There is a lot of creative, abstruse music in the world but they can fatigue listeners. One may say that my music, in that sense, lacks creativity because it offers nothing groundbreaking. It is, however, difficult to make something with limited ingredients,'' said the artist.

Kuramoto was consistently frank and humble as he spoke about his music, but his confidence in his work and his deep affection it never wavered an inch. ``In Korea, I get questions _ which I know aren't intended to harass me since the criticism is true _ about my lack of creativity,'' he said about offering similar programs in concerts. But he still has over 300 _ and counting _ pieces he has yet to share. He continues to be inspired by romance, nature and the people he meets for his art.

``I hope I won't be misunderstood, but it's true that I release works here that I think people will love,'' he said. But unlike many contemporary musicians, for whom music making is just a job, Kuramoto actually enjoys his own songs. ``If I were to compare my music to food, it would be like creating something delicious out of simple ingredients. It's nothing very fancy but healthy for everyday meals,'' he said.

The pianist has already given his first two concerts in Masan and Daegu and will continue in Seoul, Friday, at Nowon Art and Culture Center; twice on Saturday at Seoul Arts Center; and March 17 at Uijeongbu Arts Center.

His romantic music is most befitting White Day, an alternative Valentine's Day in Korea that falls on Saturday. ``If I were to compare my music to chocolate, it would offer various flavors and qualities in addition to sweetness _ quality yet inexpensive chocolate,'' he said. ``But it would only appeal to those with a sweet tooth,'' he smiled.

For information about his tour, call (02) 318-4301.