Music-Making Ignores Ages at Great Mountains Fest
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
YONGPYEONG ― Though only in its sixth year, the Great Mountains Music Festival & School (GMMFS), underway through Aug. 14 in Yongpyeong, Gangwon Province, has emerged as hot spot for cross-generational musical inspiration.
The opening ceremony Friday featured an eclectic performance of Villa-Lobos’ ``Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5.’’
The sheer sight of 19 cellos in concert was impressive to say the least, but what enthralled listeners was ultimately the kaleidoscopic effects of the musical synergy created by three generations of teacher-students ― ``The cello is not there, just music,’’ just as cellist Aldo Parisot told a student during a master class.
The veteran musician helmed the cello concerto, which was written for him by his longtime friend in the 1940s. At age 87, the Brazilian gave way to thrilling excursions in a form that intensified opposite the sweeping, nostalgic vocals by soprano Hyunnah Yu.
There was a palpable understanding among the cellists ― the Yale professor’s former and current students including internationally renowned musicians Ole Akahoshi, Jian Wang and Shauna Rolston.
Wang, 41, who spent a good part of his adolescence under Parisot, told The Korea Times that his former teacher was ``one of the most important reasons for coming here.’’ He said he also loves ``being inspired by young players who can speak truth about music.’’
This year the festival has invited 184 students from 12 countries. It is interaction with students that brings Parisot back to GMMFS for the sixth time now. ``This place is very unique; what we do for the younger generation is very unique,’’ the cellist told reporters following the opening concert. ``The student here is not just a student but they’re our friends. The students here are the residents; we teachers are the guests.’’
Master Class by the Maestro
``You are looking at the strings too much. Why are you learning the voice of the concerto if you are the piece?’’ said Parisot during a master class.
This year marks the 50th year of Parisot’s teaching career. He is known for his sometimes-brutally honest criticism ― last year he ``suggested’’ that a student take up the oboe rather than the cello ― and how he fixes bad postures hands-on without hesitation ― it’s no surprise to see him induce some head banging in a youngster like a rocker. But he also mixes in goodhearted jokes to relieve the nervousness of youngsters.
Cho Eun, a sophomore studying under Chung Myung-wha at Korean National University of Arts, was among the lucky few to partake in a lesson by Parisot.
The shy 16-year-old said receiving pointers from the professor was an extremely moving experience. ``I enjoyed the master class because he gave an overall outline but also gave precise and crucial feedback,’’ she said.
The few minutes with the cellist however leave something long lasting for not only the student under instruction but the onlookers as well. ``Life begins at the beginning of the note,’’ he said.
``When the festival first launched, people asked what would be its distinguishing character. Here we see such beautiful sights of former teacher and student playing together, like Aldo Parisot and Jian Wang, and (violinists) Kim Nam-yun and Chee-Yun,’’ said artistic director Hyo Kang, who himself taught Chee-Yun.
``Now that we are in our sixth year we see the fruition of six years, with former students championing international competitions. I hope this continues and that 20 years from now GMMFS will be a meeting point for students who will have become stars,’’ said Kang.
While major music events such as the Tongyeong International Music Festival revolve around music competition GMMFS is known for its educational focus. Currently underway are constructions of a concert hall that seats about 630 people and a tent that can cater to up to 1,500.
``Facilities are expected to be ready for next year’s edition,’’ said Gangwon Province governor Kim Jin-sun.
For more information, visit www.gmmfs.com.